How do I hang a textile safely?

Mounting textiles requires distributing the weight evenly across the piece to prevent fibre distortion. Using a fabric sleeve sewn to the back with a hidden wooden batten is standard practice. Direct sunlight causes natural dyes to fade over time, so placing pieces away from bright windows preserves their colour.

What is a salt bag used for?

Salt bags, known as namakdan, were practical household items woven by nomadic groups to store rock salt for livestock and domestic use. Their narrow necks kept the contents secure during migrations. Collectors prize them today for their dense iconography and compact, balanced compositions.

How are tribal pieces dated?

Dating relies on wool quality, dye analysis, structural conventions, and stylistic markers specific to certain tribal confederations. Changes in dyestuffs around the late nineteenth century provide a reliable chronological watershed. Examining the wear patterns and materials helps place items within nineteenth or early twentieth-century production periods.

Are miniature paintings originals?

Paintings from the Qajar and later periods executed in gouache on paper are hand-painted works rather than mass-produced prints. The delicate brushwork and use of gold leaf in specific examples indicate individual artistic creation. Expert examination of the paper stock and pigments confirms the historical period of execution.