This exceptional Antique Caucasian Karabagh Runner, woven around 1890, is a magnificent example of the artistic tradition of the Karabagh weaving region. Its extraordinary length and elegant allover composition make it an ideal statement piece for a grand hallway, gallery, or expansive interior requiring a truly distinctive antique textile.
The deep midnight blue field is richly adorned with an allover arrangement of stylized floral sprays, palmettes, and delicate vine work rendered in vibrant shades of crimson, raspberry, ivory, soft sky blue, sage green, and golden yellow.
Looking closely at the design and the back, I think Shirvan is a good attribution for this runner. The relatively fine weave, elongated format, crisp geometric drawing, numerous small field ornaments, and complex multiple-border system are all consistent with late-19th-century Shirvan work.
Caucasian rugs are primarily produced as village productions rather than city pieces. Made from materials particular to individual tribal provinces, the rugs of the Caucasus normally display bold geometric designs in primary colours. Styles typical to the Caucasus region are Daghestan, Shirvan, Gendje rugs, Kazakh and Quba rugs. Several carpet styles from contemporary northwestern Iran also fall largely into this bracket, such as the Ardabil rugs. Measures: 3'4" x 6'5".
This rug has fine weave and incredible design and colors.
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 all-over patterns featuring symbolic devices and a latticework of angular floral sprigs are also used.
The rug has the heavier, more strongly geometric character associated with Kazak weaving rather than the generally finer, more closely articulated drawing of Shirvan. The construction visible from the back, the bold scale of the medallions, and the powerful geometric field all support that attribution.
This exceptional Antique Caucasian Seychour Rug is a museum-quality example of one of the most sought-after weaving traditions of the Eastern Caucasus. Woven during the mid-19th century, it displays the extraordinarily refined drawing, crisp geometry, and luminous natural colors that have made Seychour rugs favorites among serious collectors.
The composition is anchored by three monumental octagonal medallions connected by elegant geometric devices, all set against a beautifully saturated rose-pink field.
This striking Antique Caucasian Runner, woven around 1880, is a beautiful example of 19th-century tribal weaving, combining bold geometric design, vibrant natural colors, and the exceptional craftsmanship for which the finest Caucasian rugs are renowned. Its balanced composition and finely drawn motifs make it an outstanding decorative and collectible textile.
The ivory field is anchored by a procession of large, linked diamond medallions rendered in rich shades of crimson, sky blue, soft aqua, and ivory.
The dramatic navy blue field is organized around a series of large rust-red geometric medallions alternating with ivory hexagonal compartments, each filled with an array of stylized tribal motifs, symbolic devices, and traditional protective emblems.
