Sirjan Antique Persian Salt-Bag: 105cm x 61cm

Origin: Persia/Iran
Style: Sirjan Antique Persian Salt-Bag
Provenance: N/A
Dated: Early/Middle 20th C
Hand Woven Niddle work
Length: 105cms / 3.5 feet
Width: 61cms / 2 feet

This type of bag, also known as a torba, is traditionally used  for storing personal possessions, but also sometimes as a cushion stuffed with feathers.They are not normally made for export, but for domestic use; that is the reason they are often carefully and beautifully made, and they can be very decorative. The front face is carpet and the reverse is usually Kilim.

This particular piece has kept its vibrancy despite it's age which is perhaps rarer to see. It is rather large in size and boasts a central field of ten motifs in the form of the tarantula pattern.  The triple border is very delicately woven with a rich blue and the subtle use of cream stars and rosettes bring this piece to life. The fringes at each ends are both wonderfully individual, one in a tight knot and one a free flowing looser  tuft. The tight knots act as useful hooks, with one central larger yarned hook. These hooks would be used for hanging the piece or for attaching the bag to ones person. The stripes to the reverse of the piece are set in various shades of red interspersed with cream key borders.

These bags have a multitude of uses that could include using the piece as a cushion, a rug, a beautiful wall hanging or as a personal storage bag as the maker probably intended. A small price to pay for a very useable and versatile work of art.