Antique Ersari Chuval

This is a beautiful, decorative antique Ersari Chuval bag face rug. It is an exquisite genuine tribal artefact woven by the Turkoman Ersari tribe, probably in northern Afghanistan. 

Dating from the late Nineteenth century, this charming antique Turkoman rug boasts a stunning "mina-khani" field pattern often associated with the Beshir Ersari. 

The colours of this antique Chuval rug also take your breath-away. It has a main colour of mahogany along with other colours including dark blue, brown, orange, terracotta and look out for the touches of magenta (which is silk) as well as traces of gold (which is also silk).

Learn more about this Antique Ersari Chuval

A Chuval (sometimes spelt Juval) is a type of large nomadic storage bag. These were often made in pairs. When the tribe was on the move they were attached to each side of the camel. When in camp, these Chuvals would have been used inside the tent.

Due to the useful size of these decorative items, on export, the backs of these bags were usually removed and their life began as a rug.

This type of Turkoman Rug is perhaps the most visually striking of all Turkoman weavings. Ideal for use on the floor or as a stunning display piece.

What this Turkoman Chuval is made from

This antique tribal rug was made mostly from wool. The pile is for the most part wool, except for some small touches of silk in shades of magenta and gold.

The silk element contained in this Chuval is not surprising. Woven in pairs, these Chuvals were prestigious items that often formed part of a wedding dowry. 

The warp threads and the weft threads of this Ersari are also made of wool. 

The condition of this antique Turkoman rug

This antique Ersari is in good decorative condition. It shows heavy wear to the pile, please refer to images 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8, as well as numerous patches and joins. The fringe end has been secured and the sides have been overcast.

It's shape is somewhat irregular. This is often the case with genuine antique rugs: with decades of footfall, and used (most likely) without underlay, the result is the shape is often not uniform. 

Like all of our rugs, it has been expertly washed and is ready for use or display. 

Consider adding a Rug Underlay...

An anti-slip rug underlay is a wise choice to partner with this antique rug. Of course, this Chuval rug is not suitable for areas of heavy foot traffic, but to help preserve this piece for future generations use it with a rug underlay beneath it. The underlay will help keep this charming artefact in position and also help stop you (or your guests) from slipping on it. 

Key details:

• Country of origin: Afghanistan/Turkmenistan frontier
• Size: 101×168cm / 3’3″x5’6″ 
• Thickness: varies, approx 4mm
• Pile: Wool with some Silk highlights, hand-knotted
• Warp: Wool
• Age: Late Nineteenth Century
• Condition: See above notes.