622. a noble Baluch tribal Afghan rug

622. Provenance: Northwest Persia/Azerbaijan

Size: 367 x 88 cm

Age: Circa 1900

Condition: Areas of minor wear. Good for age.

Notes:  A wonderful smallish Baluch woven in the sombre colours of which they are so fond. It is often said that it is the harsh Afghan environment and fierce Summer sun that induced a liking of dark interior shades. It's a nice story, but I think it's more likely due to the availability and scarcity of dyestuffs. After all there are plenty of harsh arid environments in Persia and the Caucasus, where the tribal weavers opt for bright colours and vigour. Still, these Baluchi rugs have an understated solemnity that grows on the owner day by day. Natural dyes and soft, handspun wool.