Belouch rug, second half 19th century

Measurements: 152cm x 92cm (5’ x 3’)

80 Knots per inch

Price: £320

A lovely old Belouch with a Mina Khani design flanked by an impressive border. Belouch pieces are worthy of study and the term covers a multitude of different tribes with great variation in construction and design. Perhaps the one constant is the colour with dark tones illuminated by a striking madder and bright blues with the white highlights standing out and drawing the eye towards them. I find the border mesmerising with its random but beautifully drawn reciprocal design, one second you see the red as a background and then it pops forward and becomes the main design on a darker background. I could look at this rug for a long time which to me is the measure of a good antique rug. The Mina Khani field is quite small and appears to be sitting below the border as if one is peering into a submerged garden.

Condition:

Quite poor with a damaged kelim end some general wear and a slightly wrinkled side.