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.
Antique Kuba–Konagkend Prayer Rug
Size: 3'2" x 6'
Origin: Kuba District, Caucasus (Konagkend village tradition)
Date: Circa 1880–1900
Structure: Hand-knotted wool on wool, fine weave
Professional Description
A very fine and intellectually composed antique Kuba–Konagkend prayer rug, representing one of the more refined village weavings of the East Caucasus.
A finely woven antique Kuba rug featuring a classic ivory lattice field filled with repeating floral/tree-like motifs enclosed within geometric compartments. The drawing is crisp and precise, reflecting the refined weaving tradition of the Kuba region.
The palette is bright and well-balanced, combining ivory, indigo blue, madder red, soft sky blue, and touches of yellow, creating excellent contrast and clarity. The borders are richly detailed, with a polychrome diamond main border and multiple guard bands that frame the composition with elegance..
A finely woven Shirvan rug distinguished by its exceptional clarity of drawing and tight lattice design. The field is filled with orderly rows of stylized bird/tree motifs, rendered with precision on a warm ivory-gold ground.
The palette is vibrant yet refined, combining madder red, indigo blue, soft turquoise, and golden ivory, creating strong contrast while maintaining elegance. The borders are complex and well-articulated, framing the composition with crisp geometric rhythm.
Antique Caucasian Shirvan Rug, Afshan Lattice Design, c. 1880–1900
A finely woven example from the Shirvan region, featuring an elegant allover Afshan lattice composed of repeating hexagonal compartments enclosing stylized botanical and geometric motifs. The ivory ground provides striking contrast to the dark indigo lattice, enlivened by accents of rust, gold, and soft green. The composition is framed by multiple well-articulated borders with precise geometric ornamentation, characteristic of Shirvan craftsmanship.
This outstanding antique Caucasian Shirvan rug is an exceptional late-19th-century tribal weaving, admired for its refined craftsmanship, brilliant vegetable-dyed colors, and striking geometric composition. Woven in the Shirvan region around 1880 or earlier, it exemplifies the artistic precision and fine weaving that distinguish the best Caucasian village rugs.
The field is composed of a rhythmic lattice of Lesghi Star medallions arranged in alternating colors of deep indigo, ivory, pale sky blue, celadon green, and soft golden yellow.
This striking late 19th-century Caucasian Kazak rug is an outstanding example of the bold tribal artistry that has made antique Kazaks among the most sought-after Caucasian weavings. Woven with exceptionally lustrous hand-spun mountain wool and natural vegetable dyes, the rug combines crisp geometry, vibrant colors, and a remarkably balanced composition.
