551. A retiring antique Baluch tribal Afghan rug

551. Provenance: Baluch tribes, Chakansur, Western Afghanistan

Age: Circa 1890

Size: 250 x 150 cm

Condition: Uneven low pile and wear, with some areas of weakness and corrosion of the dark iron oxide-dyed areas. Some repiling.

Notes: Subdued natural dyes on this classic 'kalem doneh' or pencil box design. More likely really to be reflecting the 'trees of life', this rug, despite the wear of well over 100 years of use, retains a restrained and dignified tribal decorum and charm. Wool pile on wool foundation.