An Uzbek or Afghan 'Julkhirs' small rug, 2nd quarter 20th century, featuring a bold rhombus design, and constructed from three panels stitched together. Triple corded selvedge over bound with goat hair, 213 cm long, 90 cm wide. Provenance: A private collection of Central Asian and related tribal rugs, the rugs in this collection represent the final stage of a tradition of nomadic long-pile weavings used for sleeping purposes, stretching back thousands of years. This tradition was common to many cultures throughout the colder parts of Europe and Asia, and is thought to have its origins in the use of animal fur pelts for sleeping. In many cases, the designs are archaic in the extreme, mirroring designs found in Neolithic cultures from the same areas. Visually, these weavings are at once ancient and incredibly modern, being bold blocks of colour and large geometric designs, and therefore eminently suitable for contemporary interiors.