Antiques & Collecting: Kilim rugs

A kilim is a type of rug that originated in Asia, falling into the broad category of Oriental rugs. The earliest known examples were found in China, and the most famous come from western Asia.

Unlike pile-woven rugs, which have a thick, tufted texture made from thousands of knotted threads, kilims are flat woven, tapestry style, typically from wool.

Their designs are usually geometric and often symbolic. Oriental rugs were introduced to western Europe and America by the 18th century.

Thanks to the quality of the weaving and beauty of the designs, they quickly became fashionable luxury items.

They weren’t just for the floor; paintings show them covering tables. Some decorators will hang them on the wall as decoration and extra insulation.

The durable fabric, not to mention the attractive colors and patterns, also make them appealing options for upholstery.

This bench, which sold for $594 at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, is upholstered with a kilim. According to the description, it was made in the 20th century, but the fabric came from an earlier rug.

It may have been a way to repurpose a worn or damaged rug, indicating that what we now call upcycling has been around for a long time.

I purchased this metal container about 40 years ago. The owner said he bought it in Japan. It is in perfect condition and has an ornate design with towers and a small boat floating among tall grasses. It seems to be made of bronze. What is it used for and what is your judgment of its value?

It sounds like you have a bronze censer, used for burning incense. Incense was used in Japan for Buddhist ceremonies by the sixth century and became an important part of Japanese culture and status symbol among the wealthy. Some Japanese censers are made to use in tea ceremonies.

Early censers were usually made of porcelain or wood. Bronze censers with elaborate decorations became popular in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

These are often collected today. Depending on their size and condition, bronze censers are usually worth about $100 to $400.

Tip: If you reupholster an antique piece of furniture, save some of the original fabric. Put it in an envelope and tape it to the bottom of the seat so future owners can know more about the original appearance. When selling a piece, this sort of history will add to the value.

Current Prices

World’s Fair, medal, 1901, Alaska-Yukon-Pacific, gilt, embossed, three figures, William H. Seward bust, Seal of Seattle on reverse, black ribbon, medal, 1 inch, $105.

Lamp, electric, Quezal glass shade, iridescent gold, ruffled, brass base, curved stem, marked, Chase, early 1900s, 15 inches, $200.

Toy, horse, riding, folk art, painted, hair mane and tail, leather saddle, on platform, painted border, geometric, multicolor, wheels, Victorian, 23 x 28 inches, $895.

Minton, tazza, square bowl, ivory ground, slate blue panel, pate-sur-pate scene, seated figure, pierced handles, square base, gilt trim, early 20th century, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches, pair, $1,965.