A wonderfully characterful antique Afghan Baluch balisht, dating to approximately the late 19th or early 20th century and retaining its traditional cushion form.

Balisht were handwoven by the Baluch people as practical storage bags and pillows, forming an important part of nomadic domestic life. Filled with wool, cotton or other soft materials, they were traditionally used as cushions and backrests within the home.

This particularly striking example has a richly textured hand-knotted wool pile face, worked in the wonderfully deep palette associated with Baluch weaving: madder-like reds, burgundy and near-black brown. The field is filled with a strong repeating angular geometric design, framed by narrow patterned borders.

The reverse is equally beautiful and quite different, worked predominantly in flatweave with bands of geometric decoration and striking raised embroidered/supplementary-woven motifs in cream, burgundy and dark wool. The surviving fringed and braided details add enormously to its authentic tribal character.

There is a wonderful irregularity to the weaving and colour which could only come from something made entirely by hand. Rather than simply being a decorative modern rug cushion, this is a genuine piece of tribal textile history which now makes a superb statement cushion for a sofa, bench, daybed or large armchair.

Origin: Afghanistan, attributed

People/Tradition: Baluch / Baluchi

Type: Balisht – traditional storage bag / cushion

Date: Circa 1900

Material: Wool

Dimensions: 41 × 21 inches / approximately 104 × 53 cm

Condition: Antique condition with considerable age and character. There is wear, fading, loose and missing fringe, areas of fraying and other evidence of its original use, as shown in the photographs. These are considered part of the history and appeal of this authentic tribal textile rather than detracting from its decorative quality.

A beautiful, substantial and increasingly decorative piece of Afghan tribal weaving.