Baluch flat weave

Baluch flat weave

from northeast Persia / Afghanistan

late 19th century

Size: 290 x 155 cm

This is an extremely handsome flatweave the likes of which seldom appear in the market. The composition of the large Baluch kilims is invariably similar with numerous broad bands of pattern executed with elegant precision and fine attention to design detail. It is thought that flatwoven rugs are quite ancient in design characteristics and thereby preserve many motifs that have since disappeared from pile carpets. The other feature of Baluch flatweaves is the variety of techniques employed in the construction – a show of dexterity on the weaver’s part. Plain weave tapestry, weft float brocading, supplementary weft wrapping, sumak, and reverse sumak have all been used.