Turkish Gabbeh Pile Rug

A parade of tiny animals on a field of midnight blue.

Weavers of Kilika Village, Turkey, made this Gabbeh pile rug in wool in the 20th century. Gabbeh rugs are commonly woven in a loose, hand-spun style, with simple figures drawn from daily life. On a deep blue ground, small animals in cream, red and rust walk in staggered rows, some facing left and others right. A broad red border carries a white zigzag, and short fringes finish both ends. The pile has a soft, slightly uneven texture.

A nursery rhyme for the floor, or for the wall.