from middle Amu Darya, Uzbekistan
circa 1880
Size: 288 x 182 cm
Initially thought to have been made by tribal people for use in the tent, these carpets are now considered the products of tribal looms intended for use in the houses of a patronising elite in nearby Bokhara.
Such pieces have more recently been referred to as Khanate of Bokhara carpets and are the only Turkmen related large carpets which do not show the gul (octagonal motif) as the principal element of design.
This particular piece displays a quite spectacular field pattern inspired by the motifs in tie dyed, Uzbeki ikat work. There is a range of beautiful light blues and yellows and several shades of red commonly associated with 19th century weavings from the middle Amu Darya (Oxus) river.
