Kurdish rug, second half 19th century

Measurements: 303cm x 129cm (9’11 x 4’3)

40 Knots per inch

Price: £620

This colourful Kurdish rug has some age and with age comes beauty. Older rugs generally have a greater variety of dyes and the colours are always strong, vastly superior to the later synthetic dyes. The presence of a good aubergine dye is often stated as an indicator of an earlier date and this rug delights us with an aubergine border. The central field shows a soft madder with rows of boteh marching one way and then the other before slipping under the border giving an impression of an endless design. The minor butterfly borders are typical of Kurdish pieces and we also see a design in the main border that is also of Kurdish origin, the raqa or pond turtle often occupies the central field but here is demoted to the border. The woollen foundation makes the rug floppy although it is a thick and robust piece. A typical and very nice example of Kurdish weaving.

Condition:

Good condition. A little wear but very reasonable for its age.