Afshar Soumak — Persia, c. 1920
 
A striking antique Afshar Soumak featuring a richly detailed geometric design centred around a series of bold diamond-shaped medallions, surrounded by an intricate arrangement of smaller motifs and multiple decorative borders. The deep indigo, terracotta, ivory and muted blue palette gives the piece a wonderfully traditional tribal character.
 
The relatively square format is particularly characteristic of Afshar weavings, distinguishing them from the more elongated proportions often found in other Persian tribal rugs. Woven using the Soumak technique, in which the coloured weft is wrapped around the warp threads to create a subtly raised, textured surface, this piece has an attractive combination of graphic definition and tactile richness.
 
Good overall condition, with partially damaged selvedges and a few minor small repairs. Wool warp with wool and cotton wefts.
 
215 × 163 cm (7' 1" × 5' 4")