661. an honourable antique Afghan hatchlu or ensi rug

661. Provenance: Ersari tribe, northern Afghanistan

Age: Circa 1920

Size: 215 c 160 cm

Condition: Mostly very good for age. Minor repair to one side (2 cm). Very minor spots of old damage to pile.

Notes: 'Ensi or Engsi' means 'door curtain' in the language of the Turkomans. It is unsure where the cruciform design developed, but it may have been influenced by Imperial Russia's Christian crosses, although it is more likely that it merely represents the typical cruciform shape in a wooden door. The orginal ensi would have hung at the entrance of the tribal yurt or tent, and would unlikely have been used anywhere else. This example is a little too large for door use however, so was more likely woven for floor or wall use. Soft madder root colour and nice details in pale indigo.