Khal Mahmoodi

<p><span>A magnificent large main rug woven by a nomadic family belonging to the ancient Turkmen tribe, who since at least the 18th century have grazed their herds in a vast area stretching along the border between northern Afghanistan and Russian Turkestan on both banks of the Oxus River. These rare pieces represent one of the last surviving traditions of authentic nomadic rug making and are part of the overall culture of the Central Asian Turkic peoples, the Ersari being one of the few Turkmen migratory tribes still in existence. With its imposing field arrangement of impressive heraldic and meticulously detailed Turkmen Gul medallions, the wonderfully soft tonality of its russet colours and the velvety quality of its locally shorn and hand-spun pile wool, this is a particularly splendid example of a classic Turkmen main rug, made in the most prestigious and rarely encountered Khal Mahmoodi quality, its decorative effect is extremely appealing to the discerning eye and of considerable collector's interest.</span></p>