Lot Essay
Warp: cotton, ecru, natural, Z2, s-plied with wool, light grey, natural, Z2
Weft: 1. cotton, greyish, natural, Z2, 3 shoots alternating; or 2. wool, dark brwon, natural, Z2, 1 shoot alternating with 2 or more C shoots, as above 1.; some weft wedging and some dark brown partial shoots
Pile: wool, Z2, asymmetric, open right, 45 degree alternate warp depression, H6xV7
Sides: weft return about last warp, no original wrapping
Ends: both not original
Colors: tomato, sapphire, light blue, burnt orange, old gold, surmeh, brown-black, pale blue, forest green, light green, rose, straw (12)
This unusual piece presents somewhat of a conundrum in terms of exact attribution. In terms of design (a variant of Caucasian floral lattices), vivid coloration and some technical features, such as a lack of jufti knots, it would seem to be an example of Northwest Persian or Caucasian weaving. However, because of the asymmetric knots used, one would have to ascribe this piece to Northeast Persia and more specifically to the Khorossan province. The smaller format also argues for a source distinct from the larger format Kellai carpets of Qain or Birjand.
Weft: 1. cotton, greyish, natural, Z2, 3 shoots alternating; or 2. wool, dark brwon, natural, Z2, 1 shoot alternating with 2 or more C shoots, as above 1.; some weft wedging and some dark brown partial shoots
Pile: wool, Z2, asymmetric, open right, 45 degree alternate warp depression, H6xV7
Sides: weft return about last warp, no original wrapping
Ends: both not original
Colors: tomato, sapphire, light blue, burnt orange, old gold, surmeh, brown-black, pale blue, forest green, light green, rose, straw (12)
This unusual piece presents somewhat of a conundrum in terms of exact attribution. In terms of design (a variant of Caucasian floral lattices), vivid coloration and some technical features, such as a lack of jufti knots, it would seem to be an example of Northwest Persian or Caucasian weaving. However, because of the asymmetric knots used, one would have to ascribe this piece to Northeast Persia and more specifically to the Khorossan province. The smaller format also argues for a source distinct from the larger format Kellai carpets of Qain or Birjand.