Vintage Turkish Kilim Rug – Tree of Life and Birds, Wool Flatweave

Bring story and soul into your space with this charming hand-woven Anatolian kilim depicting a Tree of Life with birds and waterfowl. Woven in soft, earthy tones, this vintage flatweave is equally beautiful on the floor or displayed as a wall hanging—a perfect piece for bohemian, mid-century and eclectic interiors.

Weaving tradition.
This textile is a slit-tapestry kilim (weft-faced flatweave). The close-ups show stepped, blocky color joins with small slits where color fields meet—classic tapestry construction. Warps are bundled into small tassels at the ends; edges are neatly overcast, and corners are softly rounded, all consistent with central Anatolian village workshop practice from the mid-late 20th century.

Knot structure.
Not knotted—flatweave (no pile). Pattern is created by interlocking/weaving colored wefts.

Regional origin.
Motifs, palette and finishing details point to Turkey (Anatolia)—particularly the 1970s–80s pictorial kilims produced around Konya/Kayseri and the central plateau. The almond-shaped leaves, perched and flying birds, and tree-of-life composition are signatures of that period’s folk-art kilims made for both local use and export.

Age.
Vintage c. 1975–1985. The mellowed creams, soft sage/sea-green, mustard and rust oranges, along with the light oxidation on the brown wefts and gentle edge rounding, match natural aging of a 40–50 year old wool flatweave.

Maker’s marks.
No written signature; the narrative composition and consistent hand suggest a single village weaver.

Pile height & density.
Flat surface (no pile). Approx. 6–7 weft rows per cm (~15–18 per inch), a medium village tapestry handle—supple enough to drape as a hanging yet durable underfoot.

Materials.

Weft (pattern): hand-spun sheep’s wool, moderately lustrous, with the slight variegation you see in the close photos.

Warp (foundation): light cotton—visible in the ivory fringes—typical of Anatolian kilims of this era for stability.

Dyes: a mix of natural and early synthetic dyes typical of 1970s village production; the greens and yellows read as low-impact synthetics that have softened attractively with age.

Pattern & Cultural Context

Motifs present.

Tree of Life rising centrally—symbol of continuity, protection and blessings for the household.

Birds (perched, in flight, and waterfowl) embody freedom, good news and companionship; ducks on stylized water suggest abundance and a peaceful home.

Fallen leaves in warm autumnal tones express seasonality and the cycle of life.

Naqsha (layout).
A single-panel tapestry: strong central axis (tree trunk) with mirror-balanced boughs and flanking birds. No border—a modernist, picture-carpet approach common in 70s Anatolian weavings, letting the scene “float” on a cream ground.

Borders vs. field.
Instead of a framed border, the weaver used scattered leaf clusters and horizontal green water strokes to “contain” the scene visually—an artistic decision that keeps the kilim airy and perfect for wall display.

Regional signatures.

Almond-leaf shapes made with stepped slit joins

Small individual warp tassels at both ends

Rounded corners and tightly overcast selvedges
These are hallmarks of central Anatolian tapestry kilims.

Symbols.
The Tree of Life & birds are protective/blessing symbols rather than religious text; suitable for any home.

Features:

Type: Hand-woven slit-tapestry kilim (flatweave)

Origin: Anatolia (Turkey), central plateau region

Date: c. 1975–1985 (vintage)

Size: 122 cm x 84 cm (approx 4'0" x 2'9") – plus small fringe

Foundation: Cotton warps

Face fiber: 100% wool wefts

Weave density: ~6–7 weft rows per cm (~15–18 per inch)

Colors: Cream, walnut brown, chestnut, mustard, soft sage/sea-green, olive, ochre

Weight/handle: Medium, pliable; excellent as wall hanging or small accent rug

Condition (honest assessment).
Very good vintage condition with light, even age toning to the cream field; minor fray/shortening to a few fringe knots; tiny scattered specks and faint abrash/variegation from hand-spun wool (seen in close-ups). Selvedges are sound; no holes, patches or structural issues. Clean and ready to use.

Time investment.
A tapestry of this size/density typically requires 1–2 weeks of loom time for an experienced village weaver, plus design prep and finishing.

Authentic Turkish vintage kilim with Tree of Life & birds folk-art scene

Versatile size for entry, kitchen, nursery or wall hanging

Beautiful abrash and softened palette—true vintage character

Durable wool on cotton; edges and ends finished by hand

One-of-a-kind, ethically sourced vintage textile


Care Instructions (Flatweave Wool)


Vacuum lightly with suction only (no beater bar).

Rotate seasonally to balance light and wear.

Treat spills promptly: blot (don’t rub) with a clean cloth; use a wool-safe pH-neutral cleaner if needed.

For deeper care, use a professional hand-wash rug cleaner experienced with flatweaves.

If hanging, use a sleeve or Velcro/Velcro-tape on a rod to distribute weight evenly—avoid piercing the fabric.

Styling Ideas

Perfect for boho and mid-century modern rooms, Scandinavian neutrals, eclectic gallery walls, children’s spaces with nature themes, or as a cheerful seasonal accent by an entry bench.


Bring home a piece of Anatolian storytelling—a living picture woven in wool. If you’d like, I can add a discreet hanging sleeve before shipping. Questions about styling or installation? I’m happy to help!