A Bessarabian kilim carpet

This mid-19th century tapestry-woven Bessarabian carpet is a superb example of Eastern European interpretation of Western European style.  The design of sumptuous cabbage rose sprays is  typical of the vogue for Victorian floral pattern disseminated across Europe via printed patterns, design sources, postcards and magazines.  The prim but fragrant florets of 19th century England are interpreted in a more exotic manner with voluptous drawing and placement. The regular design of bouquets on a charcoal ground has developed into a naturalistically entangled floral imbroglio.  

Although loosely termed as 'Bessarabian', such flatwoven carpets were produced throughout European Russia and western Siberia as well as in Moldovia and the Ukraine for markets both in Eastern and more latterly, Western Europe.  The exact origin of such pieces in almost impossible to discern, but the type of workshop and intended market, rural or urban, is suggested by variations in fineness of weave, and different degrees of sophistication in pattern and interpretation. The regularity of weave, superb design and immense scale of the present carpet would strongly suggest that it was woven in an urban workshop, under the direct influence of Moscow or St. Petersburg style.  It is possible that the carpet was woven at the Imperial Tapestry Factory, near St. Petersburg (1716-1858).