Neiriz is a town in Kirman province of South-East Persia where the nomadic Afshar tribe migrated for centuries and eventually settled. Dating to the last quarter of the 19th century, this lovely rug reveals both the nomadic origins of its weaver, and the influence of court and urban designs which the Afshar people must have been exposed to. The structure and materials are clearly tribal in character. It is woven on a wool foundation, and knotted with soft hand-spun wool and exquisite natural dyes. Note the delightful sky-blue in the field, the amber and magenta shades which one associates with the Neiriz group of Afshar weavings. As for the design, the repeating botehs which fill the field is clearly of urban origin as seen on Kirman rugs and textiles. However, the charming interpretation, the angular drawing of the botehs, the small squares and spontaneous filler ornaments scattered through the design add interest and reveal the freedom of the weaver. The superb borders also have that...