Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this piece to the 1880s.
This fabulous 'bukcha' - a bag which was made for containing the large, flat wedding bread - was made by Yomut Turkmen in the trans-Caspian Steppes during the last quarter of the 19th century and is illustrated in my 3rd edition 'Tribal Rugs - Treasures of the Black Tent' on page 49.
This was a highly-prized weaving and was never intended to be sold commercially.
It is woven in a specific way: four triangles are knotted to the sides of a rectangular flat-weave kilim and, when folded inwards, they form the envelope shape of the bukcha. Three flaps are sewn together with the upper flap being left loose to act as the opener.
Considered to rank as one of the most highly regarded weavings in a Turkmen collection, bukchas are now very rare and this beautiful piece has been completely preserved with its braided surrounding band containing tassels.
Size: 69cm x 69cm (2' 3" x 2' 3") excluding tassels.
Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this piece to the 1880s.
Dealing in antique and old tribal rugs, dowry weavings and decorative carpets from the near east and central asia since 1979.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets Profile Page
Antique Turkmen Bukcha, Yomut Tribes, Trans-=caspian Steppes, Turkmenistan, Central Asia.
