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The field design of this rug is rare, perhaps unique. It is a highly collectible example of southwest Persian weaving of the period.
One sees an interesting amalgamation of influences corroborating the thesis that the distinction between 'tribal' and 'village' weaving can be a tentative one.
All the border constructs are formal and quite conventional in both design and execution, suggesting a village origin.
A variety of influences are seen in the field. The reddish-orange stepped medallions are most reminiscent of Afshar rugs.
The over-all tonality of the rug also suggests Afshar work. There is also a strong green in areas. (See details #2 and #3)
All the colors are from natural dye sources.
The unadorned arms extending from the medallions are a common feature of Arab-Khamseh weaving and of possible nomadic origin.
The unusual tree-like figures in the field are similar to motifs seen in weavings of the Baharlu and Ainalu, both sub-tribes of the Khamseh Confederation.
Structurally, village weavers traditionally used asymmetric knots in rugs with Afshar designs. Nomadic weavers held to the symmetric knots. This rug is woven with a symmetric knot.
Gradually, this distinction became blurred and by the 19th century many village rugs with Afshar designs could not be clearly distinguished from nomadic Afshar weaving based on structural differences.
One might reasonably conclude that this rug was woven in the Neyriz village area, southeast of Shiraz, in an area bordering both Khamseh and Afshar tribal territories. |
