Antique Afshar Bagface

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Southeast Iran
Dimensions: 30 x 35 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Afshar bagface highlights a powerful and rhythmic zoomorphic composition featuring a pair of stylized camels anchored within a saturated midnight indigo field. This structural balance between the deep, dark ground and the whimsical animal figures reflects the pinnacle of the Afshar nomadic weaving tradition from South Central Persia. Small scale textiles of this antiquity are world renowned for their graphic charm and their role as essential utilitarian objects often used as storage bags (khorjin) that showcase the weaver’s personal creative expression.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary midnight indigo field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of madder red, ivory, and chocolate brown. The inclusion of a complex multi layered border system anchored by an ivory ground primary border with a rhythmic sequence of geometric rosettes creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and the distinctive technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically thick, resilient pile and a firm, substantial handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines specifically the minute geometric “comb” motifs surrounding the central scene and the precisely executed checkerboard guard borders definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Afshar bagface. Ultimately, this textile stands as a premier example of Persian tribal art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 1661

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