Singular Baluch prayer rug, with 159 snowflake stars in a staggered repeat on the camel field. 34 x 54 inches. Each star contains a small "cross le-boutonnee". Dramatic use of a sizzling light blue, one of several shades of indigo shading into deep midnight blue. Three small seal-like motifs in rectangular casettes, near top. Very unusual motifs in corner panels. "Turkmen curling leaf" border in 2 versions: continuous meander at sides and top, discrete compartments at bottom. Original ends; sides partially re-wrapped over remnants of original dark brown goat hair around 4 warp cables. Mostly even wear; corroded browns; foundation showing in small spots. Probably late 19th / early 20th century. --Fresh to the market from a Midwestern collection.