Small Gashgai (or Kashkai) Nomad Tablecloth - no. 1153 -

Tablecloth used by Persian Gashgai nomads, called "soffreh" - It's a small square kilim, used by nomads as a tablecloth, simply placed on the ground. It is a typical artifact of theirs, with bright colors and extemporaneous designs: a work of modern art! For years it has been sought after by collectors. The wools are all dyed with vegetable substances, especially indigo. This is one from my collection. It measures cm. 120 x 120 and dates back to around 1950.