Baluch Prayer Rug

Second half 19th century, 126 x 77 cm, North East Persia, Khorasan

A prayer rug of the "head-and-shoulders" type woven by the Jan Begi tribe. The camel field below the bridge-shaped arch contains a large, exactly symmetrical tree of life with angled branches ending in large star-shaped blossoms. It is flanked on the left and right by a very slender tree. The flowering plant in the box-shaped prayer niche is surrounded by written characters. Two small trees fill the camel-coloured upper rectangles placed next to the arch. A very beautiful antique example, finely woven from velvety pile wool. – Good condition, includes the original selvedges and striped kilim finishes.

BOUCHER, JEFF W., Baluchi Woven Treasures. Alexandria, VA 1989, Tf.1