Description

Caucasian

This is the general heading for all rugs made in the Caucasus mountains and in the trans-Caucasus areas, north of the Arax River, and between the Black and Caspian Seas. This includes rugs from the Kazak, Karabagh, Gendje, Koghan, Talish, Akstafa, Shirvan, Baku, Kuba and hesghi districts and the variants and subtypes thereof. The rugs are usually in scatter sizes and of all wool construction, with bold colors and geometric patterns, from the 18^th through 20^th centuries. Prices range widely depending on rarity, color, design and condition. A strong collector market exists for the better examples.

Caucasian - Shirvan

The Shirvan district of Caucasian Azerbaijan lies to the west of the Caspian sea, north of Baku. Rugs were made in huge numbers in the 19^th century on composite wool and cotton foundations. There are many named subtypes among Shirvan weaves. Geometric motives fill the field, but the designs are smaller and individually less striking than those of the coarser Kazaks. Almost all rugs are scatters and runners. Dye quality varies, but the best rugs have wide, exceptional, natural dye palettes. Many Shirvans are exceptional,natural dy palettes. Many Shirvans are service rugs, but the best, for instance the Manasali prayer rugs are avidly collected and fetch extraordinary prices.