Bessarabian Kilim

Antique kilims woven in the European areas of the Black Sea are known within the trade as Bessarabian, named for an historical area bordering Romania and the Russian Empire situated in what is now Moldova. This piece most likely was woven in what is now the southwest of Ukraine. The dark ground recalls weavings from Karabagh in the Caucasus while the garlands and bouquets of roses reflect the French taste prevalent throughout the Russian empire at this time.