Kyrgyzstan, wool, with yellow applique over mauve, the blue and black zig-zag border with outer yellow applique border. Shyrdaks are made of two layers of the highest quality felted wool, with the decorative top layer of the shyrdak made from merino wool, the second layer, creating the base of the shyrdak, is made of a more robust wool than the top layer.

2 ft. 6 in. x 12 ft. 6 in.

From the Collection of Robbin Gourley and Jeffrey Stern, New York, New York and Hillsborough, North Carolina

Traditionally shyrdak rugs have been made by women, and it takes the wool from approximately five sheep to make one shyrdak rug. The process is slow and labour-intensive.

Stains, one area with surface wool loss, otherwise good estate condition.