A very old rug faded to a palette of soft rose and olive on a deep cream ground. While the texture is soft, the motif adds a stronger voice, albeit in a subtle way. A row of welcoming tea pots lines the top in a segment that was likely reattached to the rug after a middle piece was removed. But the composition holds together beautifully thanks to the strong vertical single lines that overlay a nested lozenge field. The vertical symmetry and movement they lend draw the eye down the rug. A simple ladder motif on either side contains it. The dense Berber knots have worn to a low pile, though the bottom segment remains less worn. A few knots of bright red cotton suggest repairs that, combined with old alterations, show an expertly made rug both loved and long used.

MATERIAL – Wool

DIMENSIONS – 8'2" by 5'6" (measurement without fringe) 

ORIGIN – Vintage Beni Ourain, Middle Atlas

Shown with Marrakech pouf in yellow.