Brian MacDonald Antique Rugs & Carpets has dated this piece to the 1880s.
Today, these 19th century utilitarian bags are a rare find, with few having survived the ravages of use in a nomadic life that was hard to say the least.
I have to refer here to a magnificent book and research by Mr Peter Umney-Gray who published a most comprehensive work on scissor bags a few years back now, and is the first time any serious thought has been given to these important containers.
As Peter states in his book 'Scissor Bags & Sheep Scissors in the Nomadic Tradition', and I quote "As utilitarian objects, scissor bags were made, used, discarded and replaced in a continuous cycle. They normally had a short lifespan compared with other small weavings due to the nature of the scissors with their sharp points, which eventually destroyed their integrity. Like other small tribal weavings, scissor bags were never intended for sale: this idea would probably never occured to the tribes who made them."
A copy of 'Scissor Bags' can be obtained through my website (see my section on Books).
This scissor bag is in amazing condition for its age; is complete with its vertical bands of plain-weave back and even contains the remnants of its hanging cord at the top.
Size: 45cm x 11cm (1' 6" x 4")
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 Scissor Bag, Shahsevan Tribes of Hashtrud, East Azerbaijan Province, North-west Persia.
