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 collec...