Kurdish Patchwork Kilim Rug / Tapestry

Two cream squares float on black like windows in a night train.

Kurdish weavers of Turkey made this patchwork kilim in wool in the 20th century. Kilims are flat-woven textiles that were commonly used as floor coverings, wall hangings and bedding. Pieced from panels, this one is a deep black field relieved by two pale rectangular patches set one above the other. There is no pattern to compete with them, only the subtle ribbing of the weave. The black wool is dense and slightly matte, while the cream patches look soft and lightly worn.

A tall rectangle of restraint. Hang it where a painting would be and nobody will complain.