WINDOW LEFT

#36703 Fine Afghan   8.10  x  12.3

     The lovely “antique finish” Agra hanging in WINDOW LEFT  measures 8.10 x 12.3. This piece was hand-knotted in northern Afghanistan by ethnic Turkmen women over a period of 11-12 months using handspun vegetally dyed, local Ghazni wool.

  The city of Agra contains the most perfect jewel of Islamic art in India, the renowned Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World). The construction of the Taj Mahal and the creation of this exquisite Agra pattern took place during the Mughal period. The caliber of design during this time remains unrivaled.

     The classic color palette, for these pieces include delicate shades of blue, green and fawn. The artist’s use of a rich earthy brown thoughtfully grounds and adeptly elucidates the piece’s refined motifs of soft blues, ivories and pale greens. The backdrop of spring green creates a refreshing ambiance.  The artist’s design dating back to the 1600’s endures in a glorious fashion: 

“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:

Its loveliness increases; it will never

Pass into nothingness; but still will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams and health,

and quiet breathing. “

John Keats

WINDOW RIGHT

#36703 Afghan Suzani 9 x 12,3

     The stellar Afghan Suzani hanging in WINDOW RIGHT measures 9 x 12.3. This piece was hand-knotted in northern Afghanistan by ethnic Uzbek women over a period of 7-8 months using handspun, vegetally dyed, local Ghazni wool.

     The color palette of madder red, coral and charcoal radiates; the citron, gold, and kelly green keep it fresh, while the ivory and pale blue bring in air and add a lightness to the piece.

     The enchanting Suzani is comprised of two designs: one representing the heavens, the other the earth. The heavenly design consists of big red flowers, referred to as “orbs”, think orbit. The flowers symbolize the sun, moons and stars. The earthly design is a “Chor-chirog”design, which signifies Sacred Fire. In this charming motif, four oblong palmettes, called “bodoms” branch out from a central flower.  The bodoms symbolize fertility and life. The “Sacred Fire” has an expurgatory power, which removes bad thoughts and preserves the good energy.  

     The artist’s charming, balanced and lively design (from heaven above and earth below) elevates and grounds a space with a happy energy  🙂

“It was one of those happy days that God grants us sometimes on earth

to give us an idea of the bliss of heaven.”

Johann David Wyss.