Baluch Rugs: "Afshar"Baluch Rug, NE Persia 19th c from Tom Cole

Baluch Rug, NE Persia, 19th century, 4' 1" x 6' 11"

A fabulous example of a classic type. Few understand nor would guess that this rug is woven with an asymmetric knot, open to the right. But with a field design that is often associated with Afshar groups, the open right structure is not unexpected. Some have speculated that there are Afshar groups living in Khorassan, weaving in the Baluch style. This may be just such an example. The colours (all natural dyes) are quite lovely, and the palettte appears to take advantage of the liberal use of cochineal. While it is a dye eschewed by the Turkmen collectors, its appearance in Baluch group weavings is considered desirable as well as an indicator of good age. There is little doubt in my mind that this rug was made circa 1860.

The excellent and artistic use of reciprocal space where the design in blue (the ground colour) forms a distinct and, in a sense, the primary gol of the rug is clear (see first detail image). The unmistakable intentions of the weaver are apparent as this use of reciprocal space is emphasized in smaller elements (kotchanak devices, etc).

The wealth of interesting tertiary devices randomaly floating on the blue field are amazing, and extremely pleasing. There is even some silk in the weaving, including a bit of blue and yellow silk used sparingly in some of these minor ornaments. The secondary border, a Turkic/Turkmen scrolling vine border, is drawn on an exceptionally large and spacious scale, given that it acts here as a mere minor border.

The primary border, often seen in the finest Baluch weavings from Khorassan, is nicely done and pleasing as well. Such borders may be seen in Anatolian weavings dating to the Seljuk period (ie. 14th century)

A regal example of Baluch weaving from NE Persia, with all natural dyes, and no repairs. There is some obvious corrosion (evident in the detail photographs) but nothing obtrusive that would prevent this rug from being used on a floor (a light foot traffic area would be better) or displayed on a wall where it reallly shows well.

For further information on this piece, you may contact Thomas Cole

Seen on www.tcoletribalrugs.com

Detail of Back

The primary border, often seen in the finest Baluch weavings from Khorassan, is nicely done and pleasing as well. Such borders may be seen in Anatolian weavings dating to the Seljuk period (ie. 14th century)