This charming little prayer-rug is, I believe, an extremely rare type, made by a sub-tribe of the Timuri in western Afghanistan, during the early to mid 19th century.The rug is in remarkable condition for its early age, retaining its plain-weave skirts at each end. The field design comprises three trees in glowing indigo-blue, rising upwards on an early aubergine-dye ground to a pointed mihrab outlined in yellow. Within the mihrab, the dark-brown dye colour has heavily corroded, indicating the dye, possibly pistachio-bark, was heavily mordanted with iron slag.Particularly attractive is the inner zig-zag minor border, again, highlighted in yellow and the main border, also in that beautiful aubergine colour, depicting small, stylised flowers, highlighted in ivory and providing a powerful presence. Baluch collectors take note! This is a very collectable little rug and as early in date as can be found. I currently know of no other similar examples published or in private collections worldwide. The rug has to be seen to be fully appreciated as the photos don''t do it justice.I purchased this little rug a year ago in Turkey and have had the pleasure of enjoying it for the past year. Now it is time to be enjoyed by another lucky person!It should be treasured, hung on the wall and enjoyed.Size: 1.22m x 1.00m (4'' 0'' x 3'' 3'').Viewing by appointment only.Height is 122cm (48.0inches)
Width is 100cm (39.4inches)
Depth is 0cm (0.0inches)