Old War Rug with Burkas
| ID# 66 | Date: 10 to 15 years | -:- | Size 45 x 75 inches
(114 X190 cm) |
| Knots/Inch: 8 h X 12 | Origin: Afghanistan | Style: -Golden Border War Rugs (without ewers), Other examples of this style | Tribe: Baluchi |
| Very unusual and excellent rug. Vintage and shows some age. This rug is an excellent argument for the figures on the top and bottom being women in burkas. The shape is not unlike airplane motifs, but some of these have two definite eyes, and the central figure on the bottom even has a flat red mouth. These figures, especially the one with the sad expression contextualize the war in a way not seen often in rugs. This rug places people emotional reaction in the context of the wars. The composition of this rug is beautiful. The two tanks function like irregular medallions. The strong pattern of Kalashnikovs and grenades in the field are beautiful. The small size of the guns and grenades are effectively juxtaposed with the larger form of the tanks, as well as the medium sized mechanized armor motifs in the border. Color: The colors are lime yellow and almost black brown. Black is a traditional Muslim color of mourning which jibes with the sad face. There is some fading in the yellow, it is more saturated lime green / yellow on the back. Nice geometric guard stripe on the outside. Condition note: please see photos. There is some bleeding of the brown into the yellow border. This is mostly noticeable only from the back. Short pile allover, with very short pile in places, with knots showing. Some colors seem to have oxidized. These things noted, the condition is good. Rug is clean and strong. It still has a lot of life. This is a great piece for a collector, particularly one who is interested in the reality of women in Afghanistan. |
| Wool: Very good. Super soft, nice sheen. | Sheen: Very good. Silky. | Handle: Soft, flexible but strong. | Selvedge: 2 cord goat hair braided overcast. |
| Fringe: Half inch natural kilim with short fringe. | Pile: Wool | Warp: Grey cotton. | Weft: Mostly blond wool, with 4 sections of brown wool. |
| Warp Depression:50 percent depressed. 45 degrees | |||
