Afshar rug, early 20th century

Measurements: 237cm x 142cm (7’9 x 4’8)

56 Knots per inch

Price: £950

A very decorative Afshar with an allover design of floral boteh on a rich red field. The boteh not only cover the field but also slip under the borders giving the impression that they continue outside of the frame of the rug. Note the left hand side of the main field where the weaver has inserted a number of random elements to fill the space. One might try and decode them into some sort of signature and you might imagine the weaver introducing similar elements in all of their pieces. These details make old rugs interesting, unique and beautiful.

Condition:

Quite low in pile across the rug which does help articulate the design. The kelim ends are worn but still intact. Altogether quite a stiff and relatively strong piece.