Description
Very uncommon old floral runner from the Karabakh Caucasus region of Armenia and Azerbaijan. (Often spelled Karabagh as well.)
The runner is dated 1966 with letters HA — which in Cyrillic would have ‘N’ and ‘A’ sounds. Most likely the weaver’s initials.
In 1966, Armenia and Azerbaijan were Soviet Republics at peace. After 1991, Armenia and Azerbaijan became independent countries — often at war over the Karabakh region, which both countries claim as their own.
The condition is excellent with a small repair to the side cord.
The exact size is 9 ft. by 4 ft. 6 in. Natural wool woven onto cotton warp.
Stylized roses on a black field with green, rose, pink salmon and red borders. Impressive tribal abrash — bands of color variegation in the salmon colored wool.
Soviet era rug from the shared region of the Armenian and Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republics. 1960s.
Antique and vintage Karabakh rugs are highly sought by collectors and designers. The region maintains one of the oldest and most diverse weaving traditions in all of the Caucasian mountains.
Many are descended from the classical Caucasian carpets of the eighteenth century; others are closely related to Kazaks, with large medallion patterns and a tribal geometric sensibility.
Still others, such as this runner, display naturalistic floral ornamentation inspired by the Aubusson and Savonnerie carpets of France. More often you see this floral style reproduced in the Bessarabian kelims of the trans-Caucusus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Yugoslavia, et al.
Karabakh rugs represent some of the best quality and design among the rich textile weaving traditions of the Caucasus. Woven in the south-eastern Caucasus, they neighbor the Kazak district, the Shirvan production region, and the rich traditions of north-eastern Iran.
The geography of the Karabakh region contributes to the rugs falling into multiple design categories: the village carpets similar to geometric Kazaks; the urban rug influenced by classical Persian style; and Russian designs often appealing to Western tastes and sensibility.
Karabakh rugs can feature medallions such as ‘eagle kazaks’ and ‘cloudband kazaks’ as well as more curvilinear motifs. Often they are pictorial and include people and animals including cats and dogs; others, such as this runner, display a naturalistic French style related to Aubusson and Savonnerie floral motifs.
Shipping is $43 with FedEx ground or possible free pickup in the East Bay Area or vicinity in Northern California. Contact me if you want to arrange shipping or pickup.
Please contact me with questions. Thank you.
(KB0002 O8)
