Afshar extra weft wrapped horse cover

This extraordinary Afshar horse cover is exceptional both for its rarity and its artistic merit. Executed in an extra weft wrapping technique, a field of ‘boteh’ paisleys is drawn against a tawny apricot ground. An inner reciprocal trefoil border folds back on itself and forms a new mirrored motif within the chest flap, while an outer white border of linked rosettes frames the entire piece. The distinctive palette of this piece is seen in many mid-century small Afshar pile pieces. In this case, the drawing and resolution of both motifs and borders speaks to a heightened understanding of design and execution on the part of the weaver.