Ege Oratorium Collectio

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Ege is a series of kilim rugs that merge the sensibilities of centuries old craft traditions of Anatolian kilim weaving with a modern, artisanal and sensual design approach. Inspired by cultural craft traditions and the beautiful Aegean sea, Ege collection establishes a contemporary expression at the intersection of design, craft and art. Handwoven by Anatolian weavers using 100% sheep wool, Ege collection aims to bring the Aegean spirit full of sea, wind, sand and nature to the interior space.

Dimensions & Packaging

100 % Anatolian sheep wool.
Standard sizes 120-180 cm 150-200 cm and 180-240 cm.
Kilim weaving technique (Flatweave technique).
Can be custom sized and colored.

Tags

handmade rug, handwoven, kilim rug, wool, natural

Production Technology

The kilim rugs are handwoven by skilled Anatolian weavers from the Aegean region in their own homes, following ancient techniques of kilim rug weaving. The material is 100% Anatolian sheep wool, which is colored using vegetable-based dyes. The design and production process support the sustainability of craft traditions, as well as respecting nature through natural dying processes.

Design Challenge

There were several challenges throughout the project like making sure the weaving is carried out with the exact shapes, colors and specifications. Each weaver has his/her own style and slight differences in weaving approach so the major challenge was to make sure the design is realized as intended, while giving room for the individuality of the weavers. This makes every single kilim rug truly unique and one of a kind.

Research

A through research was carried out regarding traditional Anatolian kilim weaving techniques, as well as finishing techniques used in kilim rugs. Anatolian villages were visited to meet with the weavers, in order to observe and learn more about various weaving techniques. For the design stage, many photographs of the sea surface were taken and were translated into abstract patterns representing the sea surface. Many variations were experimented with before finalizing the designs.

Inspiration

There are 2 major sources of inspiration behind the Ege Collection, the Agean Sea and the centuries old craft traditions of Anatolian kilim weaving. The kilim rugs in the collection reflect an admiration for the visual and emotional expressiveness of the sea surface, with its fluid movements, and hues of color reflections that create a relaxing effect on the human psyche. Having blue Aegean Sea as its muse, the name for this kilim rug series is Ege, the Turkish name for Aegean.

Project Duration

The project began in Spring 2018 and the first kilims were produced in Autumn 2018. Since then many kilims have been woven in different colors and sizes. A kilim rug takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to make including handweaving, shaping, washing and finishing. The design stage is carried out in Istanbul, Turkey and the weaving is carried out throughout Anatolian villages of the Aegean region. Ege Collection received EDIDA - Elle Decoration International Design Awards in Turkey in 2020.

Operation Flow

Ege collection aims to bring inspiration, joy and a feeling of coastal nature into interiors. They can be customized in dimensions and colors according to user needs and wishes; and can be placed on floors or walls. The natural material of sheep wool combined with the flatweave technique gives warmth in cold days while keeping the space cool in warm days. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of wool inhibit the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria also making the kilims anti-odor.

Patents

Patented. 03731. Fulden Topaloglu. 2018. Turkey.