Object Description
19th Century Beshir ‘Cloudband’ Kelleh Carpet
4.27 x 1.74 m
Beshir rugs are woven by the Beshir tribe of Turkmenistan in Central Asia, and are best known for their distinctive weaving style, in a region where most rugs produced by their neighbouring tribes can be recognised by their so-called ‘elephant foot’ pattern, and deep blues and reds.
Being an early example – dating to c. 1850 – this wonderful Beshir carpet boasts an extraordinarily high-quality weave, which lends a crisp clarity to its drawing. It employs a rare, charmingly spontaneous ‘cloud band’ design, in gracefully aged vegetable-dyed tones of red ochre and deep cornflower blue. The uniformity of colour across the field and the border gives the composition a feeling of space and balance.
Retained in very good condition for everyday use, with its borders preserved on all sides.
A sophisticated 19th Century tribal example, to suit a wide variety of spaces.