Shahsevan sumak bagface

Against a deep modulated indigo ground, rows of delicate flowering shrubs are elegantly drawn in the field of this Northwest Persian sumak bag face from the Khamseh area. This floral design relates to fine Persian textiles of the post-classical period, and is successfully rendered here in wool in a manner that is in keeping with urban silk pieces. The border, however, reveals the tribal identity of the weaver and draws stylized ‘S’ forms that rotate with shades of blue, green, rose, and aubergine. The color of the piece is soft and diverse and the lighter tones contrast well the deeper hues of the field.