Shahsavan Soumak Saddlebag 1469

A rare and highly collectible late 19th century Shahsavan Soumak saddlebag from Northwest Persia — a complete khorjin, or double animal bag, woven in the celebrated soumak technique by the nomadic Shahsavan tribal weavers. The soumak technique, a wrapped flatweave that creates a richly textured, tapestry-like surface, is one of the most technically demanding in the Caucasian and Northwest Persian weaving world, and complete saddlebags of this vintage in good condition are among the most sought-after pieces in tribal textile collecting.

Caucasian and Northwest Persian soumak bags from the 19th century are renowned by collectors for preserving classical drawing from centuries ago — geometric motifs of extraordinary complexity and symbolic resonance, executed with the precision and confidence of a tradition reaching its fullest expression. This complete bag set is a rare survival from that golden age of tribal weaving.

Dimensions: 1' 10" x 4' 1"

Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1800s

Place of Origin: NW Persia (Shahsavan)

Material: Wool on a wool foundation with natural dyes

Condition: Wear consistent with age and use

SKU: 1469