628. a sublime antique Sarukh Afghan torba

628. Provenance: Sarukh tribe, Northern Afghanistan

Size: 160 x 47 cm

Age: Circa 1900

Condition: Good for age. Minor fold wear.

Notes: I love this piece. The simplicity of its design makes it stand out and the natural dyestuffs used are sumptuous, particlarly the indigo-based turquoise, which is relatively rare and sought-out hue. The two clearly-drawn, turreted main Sarukh guls are bold and supremely confident. This was orignally a storage bag that would have hung within the yurt (tent), possibly for clothes or cooking implements, and then would have hung from the donkey/camel while on the move.