Lot 131

ANTIQUE CAUCASUS SHIRVAN RUG

A hand-knotted wool carpet on a wool warp from the Eastern Caucasus—the Shirvan region (modern-day Azerbaijan). One of the region’s classic designs in an impressive geometric composition, highlighted by a highly skilled use of contrasting colors and softened at the edges by bands of various borders, framed by a rather unconventional outer border in cobalt blue. The purely Caucasian composition is dominated by layered hexagonal medallions, situated in the center of massive stepped lines. In addition to numerous motifs of crosses and stylized fauna (most likely peacocks), the motif of a comb, repeated ten times, is particularly striking; this element is often interpreted, among other things, as an expression of the weaver’s wish to marry soon and start a family, while at other times it is associated with maternal protection and the safety of the child.