Late 19th century, 160 x 75 cm, North East Persia, Khorasan

Nomads who spent their lives either mounted on their animals or sitting on the floor owned neither seating furniture nor tables; such bulky items would have been impediments during migrations. The covers known as "sofreh" served as tables, as it were, on which food was placed, and this function was indicated by their specific designs. This flatwoven eating cloth shows a typical decoration of sharp inward-facing points at the sides of the field. A large cross has been placed at the centre. The wide finishes at the ends of the field are particularly elaborate. – Good condition.

BOUCHER, JEFF W., Baluchi Woven Treasures. Alexandria, VA 1989, no. 30