Antique Shahsevan Bagface

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Shahsevan, Caucasus
Dimensions: 52 x 58 cm

This rare late 19th century Shahsevan bagface highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a monumental central cruciform medallion rendered in vibrant madder red. This structural balance between the massive, stepped ivory anchor points and the deep cerulean blue border reflects the pinnacle of the Northwest Persian or Caucasian tribal weaving tradition. Such pieces were originally woven as half of a mafrash (bedding bag) or a khurjin (saddlebag), serving as highly durable yet decorative functional art for nomadic life.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary ivory and madder red field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of indigo blue, forest green, and golden yellow. These rich and enduring tones achieved through the expert application of natural dyes exhibit a chromatic strength and clarity that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century Shahsevan productions. The inclusion of a wide indigo primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of colorful eight-pointed stars creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and technical finesse of the tribal weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of robust hand-spun local wool with a characteristically thick, plush pile and a resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the geometric “S” motifs and hooked outlines, combined with the presence of significant abrash within the blue sections, definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately this Shahsevan bagface stands as a premier example of tribal geometric art representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 2353

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