Paktia/Ghazni Region – Mid-20th Century

Fascinating companion pair of vintage Afghan hand-embroidered furnishing textiles, each measuring approximately 58 × 34 inches and acquired together from the same estate. Although differing in color palette and individual design, the two textiles are remarkably similar in size, materials, construction and workmanship, suggesting they were produced within the same regional textile tradition.

Each is extensively hand embroidered in wool, creating a remarkably dense, richly textured surface. The compositions feature bold traditional geometric ornament including stepped diamonds and lozenges, cruciform motifs, hooked forms, zigzag bands, medallions and repeating geometric borders. Deep reds, burgundy, orange, indigo and blue are combined with earthy brown and contrasting lighter tones, with each textile displaying its own distinctive arrangement and palette.

The embroidery is consistent with the geometric wool-embroidery traditions of southeastern Afghanistan, particularly the broader Pashtun cultural region around Paktia, Ghazni and Khost. Related regional textiles employ densely worked chain-stitch and other embroidery techniques to produce similarly elaborate geometric surfaces.

Both textiles have cotton backing/lining, apparently serving to protect and stabilize the reverse of the extensive embroidery. They were most likely made as household furnishing covers or decorative textiles rather than floor rugs, and may originally have been used with bedding, furnishings, chests or as interior decorative hangings.

Dating approximately to the mid-20th century, these are especially appealing as a companion pair. Their nearly identical dimensions and construction, contrasting traditional designs, and shared estate provenance make them particularly effective displayed together.

Dimensions: Approximately 58 × 34 inches each

Materials: Wool embroidery with textile ground and cotton backing

Origin: Afghanistan, probably southeastern Afghanistan, Paktia/Ghazni/Khost region

Culture/Tradition: Pashtun, or closely related regional tradition

Date: Mid-20th century

Provenance: Both acquired from the same estate

Condition: Vintage condition with expected age-related wear and irregularities consistent with handmade ethnographic textiles. Cotton backing/lining is present on both pieces. Any variations in stitching, coloration and geometry are characteristic of hand workmanship. Please review photographs carefully for condition.

An unusually decorative and substantial pair for collectors of Afghan textiles, Pashtun embroidery, Central and South Asian ethnographic textiles, tribal art and traditional needlework, as well as for interior display.