first half 19th century, 333 x 161 cm, Central Asia, middle Amu Darya valley

The rare field design of this large Beshir woven in the kelleh format has been encountered in only a few other examples. A blue-ground diamond at the field centre enclosing an octagon with a yellow serrated outline constitutes the starting point of a concentric circular design of ever larger diamonds that extend beyond the sides of the field. Their diagonal bands contain small botehs whose sides are decorated with fine horizontal lines. The four octagons in the spandrels are scaled-down versions of the octagon within the central motif. Outstanding quality, brilliant colours, lustrous wool.

Very good condition, original kilim ends.

MOSHKOVA, VALENTINA G. Carpets of the People of Central Asia. New edition O'Bannon/Amanova-Olsen, Tucson 1996, fig. 138, p. 302