A Range of Kilim Carpets

In this pursuit, he had added an old flat weave technique, Kilim (a flat weave technique of carpet-making, originating from central and west Asia), to his vocabulary of work, thereby creating an interesting fusion.

An old technique becomes a new skill in his repertoire, and his new interpretations revitalises an old technique.

Seen here is a tribal inspired durry (small carpet) by Abdul Kalam.

This carpet illustrates a typical scene from the life of tribal men and women walking through the forest with their animals.

Details such as the ears and the jaws help us identify the kind of animals they might have.

Introduction of finer nuances, such as this infant being carried by its mother in a cloth sling, sets Kalam's work apart from his peers.

Bird inspired motif, in all its splendour, on a carpet by Abdul Kalam.

Only natural fibres are used in making kilim durry. Common materials used are wool, cotton and silk.

The design of a kilim durry is made by interweaving the coloured weft and warp threads.

These birds of different species have been developed using this technique.

The more the number of colours, the more strands there are to knot. The strands are then sheared off, thereby giving the effect of a flat weave.

More details of the birds on one of Abdul Kalam's masterpieces.

Each bird is given a distinctly different character and function.

One of the more traditional designs from an old kilim has been replicated here by Abdul Kalam.

The geometrical patterns make the weaves stronger.

The motifs seen here are the traditional ones. The stylised female figure at the centre is a symbol of motherhood and fertility.

It is flanked by the wolf’s mouth and foot which expresses the tribal weaver’s desire for protection of his family from a flock of wolves.

The traditional motif of the evil eye is represented here.

In this piece, Abdul Kalam integrates traditional designs with modern colours to appeal to contemporary tastes.

The traditional motifs of the evil eye are seen on this durry.

Use of brighter colours over a lighter base makes this Kilim carpet visually appealing.

Another example of Adbul Kalam's reinvention of the traditional Kilim technique.

This durry captures traditional toddy-collectors in action.

By representing details of the process of toddy-collection, Abdul Kalam uses his carpets the way an artists uses his canvas.

Detailed elements, like the rope around the feet of the toddy collector, is also woven to perfect the entire imagery of this inspired Kilim masterpiece.

Geometric designs are usually the most popular when an old Kilim is replicated.

The colours are changed in the contemporary versions.

Detail of a large floor kilim with geometrical motifs.

Madhubani inspired elephant on a carpet by Abdul Kalam.

Forest inspired motif on a carpet by Abdul Kalam.

Interesting details have been added to make the creation more nuanced.

This finely woven tiger in his jungle is yet another example of why Abdul Kalam's carpets are considered works of art.

Over the years, Abdul Kalam has experimented with reproducing iconic film posters. This piece was for a challenging order placed by an international buyer.

Abdul Kalam's Bollywood-inspired durry.

Kilim used in furniture and upholstery.

Read more about Kilim Floor Coverings here:

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