Uzbek or Ersari "Chuval", Central Asia, 19th century, 3' 2" x 5' 3"
| A rather grand example of a known type, a design that some feel is derivative of the pool of patterns one sees in Uzbek silk ikat weaving. Whether this weaving originates from the Middle Amu Darya region of Central Asia, or was actually made in Bokhara.
It has been thought that some or all of the so-called "Beshir" prayer rugs, a type that is highly sought by some collectors, were actually woven in Bokhara for local use and trade. It would not surprise me if such rather large "chuvals" were made in an urban setting. The drawing in the border is exceptionally nice, well proportioned with a nice 'reciprocal' design effect. The field pattern, too, exhiits a three dimensionality that my eyes find appealing. The condition is perfect, no holes or repairs, and the colors are all derived from natural dyes. |
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