Second half 19th century, 45 x 110 cm, North Persia

During the 19th century, a number of tribal groups (Luri, Afshar, Shahsavan et al.) led a semi-nomadic life on the Varamin plain situated south of Tehran, apparently in peaceful coexistence. Marriages between tribal families were frequent, hence their rugs show different design traditions united in new contexts. This knotted face constitutes a mafrash side panel. A face identical in design and palette exhibited by Benardout in London in 1979 may have been part of the same mafrash. Particularly beautiful and of high quality, this example with a central octagon in the blue-black field and lateral hooks is probably a Luri weaving. Then again, the striking stars of the main border were a design popular among the Afshar. – Well preserved, new overcasting along the sides, one major repair at the upper end on the left.

BENARDOUT, RAYMOND, exhibition catalogue 11th - 24th November 1979, no. 26 *** COLLINS, JOHN J., Persian Piled Weavings. A Collection of non-urban piled bags. Newburyport 2008, pl. 11 *** RIPPON BOSWELL, A 79, 26th November 2011, # 35

RIPPON BOSWELL, A 43, 18th November 1995, # 10