What a border! Early Shahsevan rug almost certainly before 1850. The images of the back of the rug are not as focused as i had wanted. Even so, they do give some indication of age, but an in person, close look at the back tells one all you need to know as regards the age of this piece. As we say - "It has a very old back." There has been debate over the years as to whether or not the Shahsevan actually wove pile rugs - I'm on the yes side, but i don't think it is settled law and believe the jury is still out. If there are Shahsevan pile rugs - this is one of them and a damn old one at that. The many colors in the piece are excellent. The apricot/red color seen as abrash in the deep red field is not a faded red. It is a good old color and intentional on the part of the weaver. This seems like a carpet made for a tent and personal use by a rough and ready semi-nomad weaver. By any measure, this is a special piece with raw power and integrity. Size: 144 x 44 inches.