First quarter 20th century, 380 x 170 cm, North Africa, Morocco, Middle Atlas

Rather than a monochrome surface, the open field of this large Berber carpet presents the sum of various shades of crimson, orange, ochre, yellow and faded pink arranged into a sequence of horizontal bands, each vividly abrashed in itself. Diagonal blue lines extend across the ground in the shape of three huge diamonds. The diamond at the centre of the field is complete, the lower one is halved and the upper one is truncated. The static sense of calm created by the large geometric frames successfully counterbalances the restless appearance of the polychrome field. A narrow border of simple design runs along the vertical sides of the rug. – Slight signs of age and wear.