Balisht Face
 

8

 
 

This little balisht exemplifies the very best qualities of “Baluch” camel-field weavings.  The sheen of its soft, glossy wool, and the constantly varying abrash of its border colors, give it a three-dimensional quality that is quite dramatic.  It is curious that with all the love and inspiration its weaver poured into it – evidenced by the intricate end finishes and silk highlights – it nevertheless was tensioned on the loom such that its right side contracted substantially after it was cut free.  Such is the signature of a true nomadic piece.
 
  
 
 

Structural Data:

Size:

1’9” x 2’10”  (53 cm x 86 cm)

Warp:

Natural white wool – Z2S. 

Weft:

Brown wool – Z2S.  Two shoots

Pile:

Asymmetrical, open to left.  h: 9  v: 11  kpi: 99

Colors:

 (11) dark blue, medium blue, red, pale red, brown-red, camel, white.  Silk highlights in red, pink, yellow, and white

Selvages:

2 warp cords weft-wrapped with brown wool overwrap, possibly not original

Ends:

Weft-faced plainweave with weft substitution and overlay-underlay brocading

   

Online Exhibition:

"Baluch" from the Collection of Mark Hopkins
 

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