Shirvan sumak khorjin

With crisp drawing and a fine weave, this Caucasian saddle bag set draws rows of perfectly articulated ‘boteh’ paisleys against a deep indigo ground. This piece is most likely the work of Shahsevan weavers. Inscribed with the date 1304, corresponding to the Western year 1886, it has been remarkably preserved and is in excellent condition. Like many luxurious saddle bag sets, a pieces of this quality possibly functioned as a sort of parade armor and were woven less as utilitarian objects but to showcase the skill of the weaver and taste of its owner.