Vintage Afghan Baluch Rug

Origin: Baluch rug from around the border of eastern Iran and western Afghanistan.

Age: ~30 years old.

Design: Repeated geometric medallion design. The medallions are a sun-cross or sunburst, a cosmic symbol. There are many geometric symbols scattered around the field, primarily "hooks" of different S shapes, including all of the secondary borders. The primary border is a simplified version of the medallions, with an "eye" motif. Practically all of the symbols are interpreted as protection from the evil eye, amid some cosmic symbols of the medallions and the quincunx.

Colors: The rug is overall very dark in tone. Shades of light red and a deep oxidized wine red, green, indigo, natural ivory, light and dark brown, black.

Foundation: Wool warp and double wool weft, which gives the rug a very floppy handle. The sides are overcast with goat hair.

Pile: Dense wool pile clipped short to reveal detail of the design.

Size: 3 feet 7 inches by 6 feet 7 inches

Knotting: Asymmetrical

Condition: Excellent original condition with almost no signs of use.