Aleppo “Zok” Kilim Fragment

A fragment of an Ottoman-period Aleppo zok kilim, mid-19th century, Syria, executed in the design vocabulary characteristic of Aleppo zok textiles. It measures approximately 14 × 32 in (35.6 × 81.3 cm).

The piece is entirely hand loomed in the tapestry-based brocade technique known as zok, a form of pattern weaving traditionally practiced in Aleppo and Damascus. The method interlaces colored weft threads on the loom to build the pattern directly, without supplementary warp or added embroidery. The arrow and tulip motifs radiating through geometric fields are hallmarks of Ottoman Syrian design, found in kilims, textiles, and ceremonial garments.

Notable here are the two-sided vegetable-dyed wools over cotton construction, the richly dyed wool accents, and the use of silver-wrapped cotton threads. The fragment suits framing as wall art and makes a useful study sample.