An outstanding and highly decorative late 19th century Caucasian Kazak carpet, measuring 5' x 9'6", hand-knotted in wool on wool foundation. Woven with a likely symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes) knot, the rug displays excellent clarity on the reverse, confirming a high-quality village weaving with precision and care.
The composition is set upon a luminous and highly sought-after sky-blue field—one of the most desirable colors in Caucasian rugs and a feature strongly favored by collectors.
The technique of making a soumak involves wrapping wefts over four warps before drawing them back under the last two warps. The process is repeated from selvedge to selvedge. Soumaks tend to be finely woven, and although not as durable as piled carpets, they are stronger than kilims.
