Muted formality and patina. It has the geometry and symmetry, the protective symbols, the skill and the size of a grand formal rug. Dense brown knots on a cream field show a motif of strong lozenges, nested and layered so that they almost echo and fill the composition. Even the symbols are more patterns adding to a sense of repetition and symmetry. With strong bands and a brown edge on the selvedges. But henna changes everything. Here it fills or lines each brown element and has faded unevenly leaving only shadow on one end but lighting the other end and the selvedges with the shock of orange sorbet. Fade is not the only sign of age. Pile is worn low, flat weave showing in spots. It has been preserved and cherished, wonderfully repaired, embroidered by hand rather than knotted to match the low pile. With great edge detail including tufts and some flat weave on either end.

MATERIAL – Wool

DIMENSIONS – 12'6" by 6'2" (measurement without fringe) 

ORIGIN – Vintage Beni Ourian, Middle Atlas

Shown with Marrakech pouf in black.