Size: 3 ft x 5 ft (0.91 m x 1.52 m) - Bashir Rug, Afghanistan, Late 19th Century - This antique Afghan prayer rug displays an assortment of geometric repeating patterns that exemplify the Bashir group's preference toward miniaturization and small-scale ornamentation. The clear ivory and red field is intersected by polychromatic barber-pole dividers that form a multitude of compartmental cells. These boxes are filled with tessellating triangles rendered in fleecy white and regal Turkoman reds. The intricately patterned latticework field and angular ram's horn-topped mihrab are framed by a meadow of oxidized flower heads. Following the traditions of the Bashir tribe and greater Turkoman group, the dominant colors include robust red and saturated blue paired with white accents. The strong colors and bold geometric patterns continue in the intricate borders and guardbands, which display an assortment of hourglass figures and highly geometrized ornaments.

Condition Reports Available Upon Request.