Gajari Flatweave Rug, Uzbekistan

Hook after hook in red, ochre and cream, marching in columns.

This gajari flatweave rug is wool, from Uzbekistan, and dates to the 20th century. Sewn from narrow woven strips, gajari were made by Central Asian weavers as floor coverings and household hangings, and the bands could be combined to suit the room. Each vertical strip here carries its own motif: stepped lozenges, chevrons, curling hooks and interlocked figures. The palette stays with brick red, black, tan and off-white, and the pattern crosses the seams with a slight stagger. The piece is between five and six feet on each side.

Lined up like that, it looks almost obedient.