Knowledge / Flat-Woven Textiles / Introductory to Specialist
Kilim, Jajim, and Varni: Understanding Flat-Woven Textiles
A guide to warp and weft structure, back view, edges, selvage, and accurate naming in Iranian flat-woven textiles.
In flat-woven textiles, identification should not begin only from surface pattern. Back view, weft path, edge, selvage, and the way parts are joined often provide more important information.
Kilim is commonly understood as a flat, pileless woven textile. Jajim often appears as narrow strips joined together. Varni is close to wrapping or soumak-related traditions, especially in northwestern contexts.
For final publication, close images, region, material, and the production story should be reviewed by a craftsperson or specialist.
See the structure before the name
The name of a textile should not be decided only by the pattern. The back, edge, selvage, and structure must be seen.
This protects the buyer and also respects the traditions that produced the work.
Origin and caution in attribution
Attribution to a tribe or region should not be stated as certain without documentation, a production story, or specialist review.
For pricing, fiber, color, condition, age, repair, and edges should be recorded alongside the name.
Sources and Review
- Encyclopaedia Iranica: Kelim/Gelim
- Encyclopaedia Iranica: Flat-woven carpets