Baluch Cushion Cover (balisht)
Iran or Afghanistan
19th Century, Wool pile
58.4 x 81.3 cm (23 x 32 in.)
R. DeWitt Mallary III Collection
Rarely does one come across an example of a Baluch-style rug in which there is a perfect convergence of electrifying color and lustrous, soft wool with a patina of age. The use of white here is minimal. The weaving begins at the visual bottom of what appears to be a tree. Rugs of this kind were probably originally intended for use as cushions with a decorated face
and a pileless, usually striped, back.
