Saryk Kejebe Bridal Trapping

Antique Saryk Kejebe with Natural Dyes.

A Kejebe is a bridal rug. This one was made by Saryks in Northern Afghanistan. The Saryks are a Turkmen people who historically inhabit Northern Afghanistan and Turkistan. The Saryks moved into Northern Afghanistan after losing prime oasis land to the Tekke. This Kejebe is for an average person rather than a member of the tribal elite.

Saryk Kejebe (eating cloth )

Northern Afghanistan, late 19th century or turn of the century. 40 inches by 51 inch (not including fringe).

Structure: Overlay, underlay brocading with varying float sequences on a balanced plain weave ground.

Yarn Spin: Z.

Warp: 2 ply Wool, tan.

Weft: 2 ply Wool, 2 shoots. tan.

Ends: warp fringe.

Selvages: 3 cord wrapped in dark wool.

Condition: Used with some wear. Some minor wear to brocading visible in main picture. Structurally in excellent shape for an antique.

Provenance: From the collection of an Internationally Known Expert and Connoisseur who wishes to remain anonymous.

Saryk Kejebe

This is a very nice example of a fairly rare type. The colors in this piece are really nice. The person I got the piece from is an internationally known expert and Connoisseur who was quite definite in his attribution of 19th century and natural dyes. I have to agree the piece is splendid.

N.B.
It is interesting to note that brocading is all done on the loom. Many people confuse this with embroidery but an easy way to tell is that brocading runs with the wefts but embroidery may be in any direction.

N.B.
This is a Notta Bene or N.B. It is Latin and means "note to the good". In common usage it means the inclusion of something interesting to the reader but not necessarily specifically germane to the discussion. I only include this because last time I used a N.B. I got questioned on it. I enjoy them because I often feel like adding little notes. I hope you don't mind.

Thanks and best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.

Persian Rugs the O'Connell Guides