Baluch rug
eastern Persia
late 19th century
Size: 156 x 101cm
It is easy to see that this vibrant old Baluch rug with glossy wool owes much in the elements of its design to Turkmen weaving traditions.
Closer inspection of those larger field motifs will reveal an affinity with what are known as the ‘minor guls’ or secondary motifs in old Turkmen rugs.
Whilst these forms are arranged in horizontal rows, the colour variations in each motif give the impression that they are more randomly arranged.
However, the weaver has not felt as constrained as perhaps her more conservative Turkmen neighbours might have and there is a much more playful juxtaposition of smaller randomly scattered background geometric forms in the field.
