antique afshar rug from the region of kirman in southern persia. The squarish shape is always a major factor in identifying Afshar weaving, both of their rugs and flat woven soumaks. Whereas most tribal and village rugs are rectangles the Afshars make this squarish shape. James Opie in his excellent book "Tribal Rugs" comments on this. He also shows as plates 12.5 and 12.6 a soumak with an almost identical colour range and design. This is a versatile piece. It is worn lowish but even and is intact. Quiet floor area, table cover, wall hanging or even a throw over an old bench or sofa are all contenders for it. Reference 166 x 138 cms., or 5ft. 6ins. x 4ft. 6ins. Euros 480. For reply, please email me at ldrowcroft,2gmail.com