Antique AFSHAR Tribal “Masnad” Rug, SE Persian Tribal, south of Kerman, probably Aqta’ or Sirjan area. 3rd quarter of the century, perhaps even earlier? , and coming in rather remarkable condition for its early antique age. The size is approximately: 2′-9″ x 3′-6″ (84 x 107 cm). Within many of the nomadic and tribal rug weaving societies of antiquity, small weaving having the dimensions of this example were woven for personal tent or cottage use and only brought out and displayed for the appearance of tribal elders or special guests of honor, and then placed in storage. In the western rug literature of the past, the field motif was often called the “shield design”, but to the Afshar, it is known as the. Research shows that this element originates from the classical period of Persian floral palmette carpets. This very, very old example of a Afshar “masnad” has weathered the ravages of time and use in rather good condition. The top and bottom endings are original and complete with remnants of the kilim end finishes. The sides are original and complete, but they have been re-wrapped in the past. The pile of weaving was originally clipped down close to make the design crisper to the eye. It still exhibits good, albeit allover low pile, condition retaining exceptional visuals to the observer. On a foundation of cotton warps and mixed wefts of red and blue dyed wool, the weaver used a wide range of harmonious natural dyed wool colors to create her allover infinite repeat design on a “elephant tusk ivory” field background. Because this specimen was made by a pastoral nomadic Afshar woman in her spare time while the clan was on the move seeking greener pastures for their flocks, the tension on her loom varied after each stop and recurrent loom set up causing her rug to be a bit less than 3 inches wider at the top than at the the bottom, hence not a product of a cottage upright loom. I call this inherent weave structure “authentically truly tribal”. A lovely little rug that is really alive and beautiful in person. This small size weaving will. Make a stunningly visual antique Persian tribal textile art wall hanging display in any room of your home or office. If you have any questions about this lovely Afshar rug. Addendum: To read about the format and historical use of the “masnad” rug, refer to: Parviz Tanavoli, “AFSHAR”, 2010, page 36. The item “RARE Early Antique SE Persian Tribal AFSHAR Masnad Guest of Honor Seating Rug” is in sale since Tuesday, July 3, 2018. This item is in the category “Antiques\Rugs & Carpets”. The seller is “imokub2″ and is located in Arvada, Colorado. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Size: 2′-9″ x 3′-6″ (84 x 107 cm)
- Shape: Rectangle
- Style: Antique SE Persian Tribal AFSHAR “Masnad” rug
- Age: Pre-1900, Circa 1850-1875
- Regional Design: SE Persia, Kerman Region
- Material: Wool pile, wool wefts, cotton warps
- Background Color: Ivory
- Brand: AFSHAR Tribal
- Rug Type: Antique Persian AFSHAR Tribal “Seating Rug”
