Baluch Storage Bag, Afghanistan. Possibly the face of a pushti or storage bag from western Afghanistan rather than a balisht. The coarser weave and palette is consistent with an Afghan attribution, which would imply the function as well. Missing the back and flatwoven ends, it is impossible to know for sure, but most pushti include a similar end finish as found in khorjin/saddle bags from the same region (see pl. 77). The distinctive palette seems to be employed by weavers in Afghanistan – as the plum/aubergine ground color does not appear in Baluch weavings from either northeast or southeast Persia. The wool and handle recall similar examples referred to in the Afghan marketplace as Taimani.18” x 32” (45cm x 80cm) Asymmetric knot open left, 5.5h x 10v = 55 kpsi. Colors (9): dark plum red, blue, yellow, red, light red, blue/green, natural dark brown, corrosive light brown, natural ivory/white. Published: Plate 94. Cole, T. FROM THE LAND OF THE SUN. THE RICHARD STEWART COLLECTION OF BALUCH RUGS, BAGS, AND TRAPPINGS. 2022.

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