Over the past week, we have acquired a number of very attractive textiles in good condition. It was surprising to find this tapis tua, an excellent example of the type, in superb condition. The couched gold thread on the surface was worked to create geometric patterns which subtly reveal themselves as light plays over the cloth. We call cloths like this one "maximalist-minimalist" because they have a maximum amount of lavish detail and handwork, yet make a bold minimalist statement. The coloured stripes showing through on the tumpal are striking.