Description

This Yomut Turkoman Asmalyk dates to the second half of the 19th century.

Asmalyks were used to decorate the sides of the animal transporting the bride to her new home on the day of the wedding. They were therefore made in pairs, one for each flank of the animal, and were an important part of the dowry. (For a rare complete pair of Yomut asmalyks, which are of a different sub group, see  https://www.christopherleggeorientalcarpets.com/products/view/rare-pair-of-tree-asmalyks/  on this website. )

At 43 x 82 centimeters (excluding the substantial tassels), the example in hand is of unusually small size. The tassels are original and are attached to the blue and red braiding sewn on to the asmalyk along three sides of the five sided trapping. The top ends of the braiding would have served as a rope for the asmalyk to be suspended from the corners, as can be seen from the remaining length in the top left hand corner as well as the remains of a rope at the centre.

The field is a lattice of hexagons with concentrically arranged, serrated elements in their centre,  a design which is frequently found in Yomut asmalyks.

Two reciprocal “running dog” borders in red and blue flank the main border on a white ground. The colour scheme is classic Yomut: two shades of red, two shades of blue, a dark brown almost the colour of purple and undyed white wool.

This is an original tribal weaving in very good condition.

£750