19th century Baluch with Mina Khani design. This is a fabulous rug of the group sometimes referred to as the” plum group”. It is one of a very few old Baluch mina khani designed rugs not woven on a blue ground. The plum-like field color of this rug is very pleasing and all colors are strong and clear. It has soft, lustrous, full pile and is complete and in very good condition with some slight corrosion in the oak gall died browns, mordanted with iron. The weave is Bidjar-like with heavily depressed warps and large assymertical knots open to the left. As far as i know this is a unique example as to age, weave and coloration and its pleasing wider format. Some might call it best of type. Others of the so-called "plum group" have narrower proportions by comparison. The wider dimensions of this piece give the design more breathing room and allow for a more open rendition of the design. The main border is Turkmen inspired. The field has the typical five petaled white blossom forms connected by realistic stems and tendrils. The large floral forms down the center of the field are more realistic and less geometric than most other examples. The more naturalistic drawing of the meandering tendrils in this piece is more in line with the archaic design features of the Persian mina khani design model than most others of the type. Conserved, with velcro hanging system. This piece remains best of type in my understanding of this kind of Baluch and is impressive in the flesh. Size: 75 x 39 inches including flatwoven ends. Ex.Halley collection, Ex. private collection, London. Most images shot in direct sunlight except for black background full view which was shot in interior light.