The historic Khanate or administrative district of Shirvan produced many highly decorative antique rugs that have a formality and stylistic complexity that is found in few rugs from the Caucasus. The depth of colors, the complexity of the composition and the phenomenal patterns featured in antique Shirvan rugs set them apart from those produced in other regions of the Caucasus
Soumak rugs or Sumak, construction technique is flat-weave. They are strong and exceptionally durable. Unlike kilims, Soumak rugs are not reversible because non-clipped yarns are left on the back. The wefts are used to produce decorative patterns. Are generally very finely woven and feature richly detailed motifs. Traditionally, these spectacular flat-weave rugs are decorated with ancient symbols, tiny birds and geometric animals. Many of these geometric patterns and tribal symbols are associated with the Shahsavan tribe.
Antique Kilim long carpet, Kuba, late 19th century. An impressive staggered design of serrated palmette set against a blue field on this magnificent antique Kuba Kilim or great classical carpets of the Caucasus. The smaller palmettes and rosettes that make up the border also reflect the Kazak and Karabagh rugs of the Caucasus. Kilims with such design and rich color are exceptional in Persian weaving, as is the unusually long and large format of this amazing piece.
Precise drawing applied to highly abstract or stylized geometric patterns, using a rich and varied palette.
Soumaks are flat woven rugs. Their technique is related to that of Kilims, but it is somewhat more complex.
It is more durable as floor covering. As opposed to Kilim technique which consists of compacted weft facing simply running over and under the vertical wraps, Soumak weave runs the yarns around the warps in a serpentine pattern, over two, back one, over two back one, and so forth.
The design large polygonal medallions, often in the shape of diamonds or stars.
Antique Shirvan Prayer Rug with multi color motives on white background field.
The historic Khanate or administrative district of Shirvan produced many highly decorative antique rugs that have a formality and stylistic complexity that is found in few rugs from the Caucasus. The depth of colors, the complexity of the composition and the phenomenal patterns featured in antique Shirvan rugs set them apart from those produced in other regions of the Caucasus.
The Caucasus is bounded by the rugged mountains and lush valleys of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. This cultural melting pot was populated by Armenian dyers and weavers, Azeri Turks, groups from the Northern Caucasus and minorities from the surrounding areas. The Kazak rugs of the Caucasus are distinctive and individual. Geometric people and animals, symbolic motifs, dramatic medallions, crenelated fence borders, angular cloud-bands and graphic latch hook
The district of Shirvan produced many highly decorative antique rugs that have complexity that is found in few rugs from the Caucasus. Shirvan, which is part of modern-day Azerbaijan, was populated by Azeri Turks and some Armenians, who were expert dyers and weavers.
Grand symbol-filled medallions with polychrome accents are featured prominently as are all-over Afshan patterns, which are a sort of angular arabesque filled with dramatic harshang palmettes. Stunning allover patterns featuring symbolic devices and a latticework of angular floral sprigs are also used.
A subtype of the Kuba rug, antique Seychour (also known as Seichur and Zeychour) rugs are made in the small town of Yukhari-Zeykhur in Azerbaijan in the Northeast Caucasus. Known for the detailed precision of their drawing and design as well as for their saturated colors, antique Seychour rugs popularly display designs such as cabbage rose, tulips and the Seychour cross. Differing from other Caucasian rugs, antique Seychour rugs do not share the same symmetry in their borders.
