284. a warming old Afghan Ersari Carpet

284. Provenance: Ersari tribe, Turkoman tribal group, Northern Afghanistan

Size: 314 x 204 cm

Age: Circa 1940

Condition: Very good, with thick, deep pile.

Notes: A classic 'elephant foot' Ersari. The devil is in the detail with these Afghans. This one has good, deep colour and glossy handspun wool. Modern variants (and poor older ones) can be as stiff as boards, and just as unwelcoming. This is the opposite - with a good, flexible handle and invitingly soft, oily wool - begging to be walked on (dare I say, rolled on?) barefoot. A great, old and decorative piece.