Antique Persian Senneh Kilim — 1920s | 3'8" x 5'1"

The Esmat is built around a classic center medallion, layered with concentric overlays woven in stepped relief—a technique that creates a strong sense of dimension and implied movement despite the flatness of the weave. The result is a highly intricate composition with fantastic contrast throughout. For more on medallion motifs and design vocabulary like this, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The palette is refined and warm: ivory, navy blue, camel, sand, pale saffron, and a hint of pale blush. Because kilims are flat-woven rather than knotted, this contrast reads with equal clarity on both the front and reverse. Explore more Senneh pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 3'8" x 5'1", the Esmat suits entryways, layered floor moments, or as a striking, lightweight accent in smaller rooms.

Senneh, in Northwest Persia, is celebrated for both its exceptionally fine knotted pile rugs and its equally prized flat-woven kilims, distinguished by a tapestry-weave technique of remarkable precision. Senneh kilims are known for crisp, geometric patterning and a fully reversible finish, with stepped medallion compositions like this one showcasing the weaver's control over contrast and implied dimension within a flat structure.

Woven circa the 1920s, the Esmat reflects this tradition at its most technically accomplished. Browse more pieces from this collection in our Kilim collection.

Esmat is an alternate transcription of the Arabic name Ismat, meaning purity, chastity, or modesty, and is also the standard Persian transcription of the same name.

The name reflects the rug's refined, understated palette and the quiet discipline of its construction—a piece whose intricacy reveals itself gradually rather than announcing itself all at once.

Esmat captures the Senneh kilim tradition at its most precise: pure in execution, subtle in color, and rich in detail.

• Primary material: Wool
• Construction: Hand-woven, flatweave (weft-faced plain weave)
• Dye method: Traditional dyes
• Foundation: N/A (flatweave, no separate pile foundation)
• Condition: Antique condition, well preserved

Sides and ends are fully secured.

Recently professionally cleaned and ready for immediate in-home use.

Vacuum gently using suction only, on both sides if rotated.

Because kilims are lightweight and reversible, they benefit from a non-slip pad to prevent shifting.

Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth. For deep cleaning, consult a professional experienced with antique flat-woven Persian textiles.

Is this a knotted rug or a kilim?
The Esmat is a genuine flatweave kilim—hand-woven, not hand-knotted, with no pile. This allows the design to appear identically on both sides.

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Antique Senneh kilims like the Esmat are unique in drawing, dye variation, and hand.

Is it reversible?
Yes. As a true flatweave, both sides display the pattern with equal clarity, giving you two looks in one rug.