This old Baluch rug is a deceptively interesting and significant one. First, an acknowledgement commonly made when discussing rugs woven in the Baluch-style. It is extremely difficult to re-produce the tonality and color nuances of this rug on a computer monitor. To accurately evaluate and ultimately to appreciate this rug one must see it in bright light, preferably bright sunlight.

This rug would fit comfortably into an integrated collection of tribal rugs woven in the Baluch-style. There are wonderful shades of what is known as steel blue and chocolate-aubergine.

The former is visually dramatic.  The latter is an accurate indicator of age in Baluch weaving.

Most significantly is the probability that this rug is a genuine tribal prayer rug.

Can one truly believe that tribal weavers were concerned about ‘fingers’ on either side of the prayer arch? Although perhaps not literally accurate, these prayer rugs are what I call ‘tourist prayer rugs’. In this tribal example, note the arch at the top of the field. One sees a definite break in the continuity of the repeat diamond field.

This configuration indicates a weaving that is not commercial and one woven for use within the tribal unit.

Condition: The condition is good.  There is moderate oxidation to the brown.  There is one small hole in the right, bottom border area.  An approximately two inch ‘tear’ is repaired on the right side.