Small Red Ground Kazak Rug

Antique Kazak Rug, Caucasus, end of 19th century (ca. 1875).

Antique tribal rug 

Size 168 x 119 cm (5' 6" x 3' 11")

Warp: wool, weft: wool, pile: wool

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Antique carpets from the Caucasus region have been famous among carpet collectors and enthusiasts for many years. Caucasian Kazak carpets are named after the small town of Kazak in what is now Azerbaijan. Kazak carpets are probably the best carpets from the Caucasus region in terms of their stunning geometric patterns and high quality dyes and colours. Unlike many other carpets, the designs of Kazak carpets are predominantly large, archaic geometric patterns, which give the designs power and impact. These designs incorporate symbols such as the circle of life, the star of wisdom, rams' horns and flowing water. The wool used in old Kazak carpets, such as this rug, is dyed slowly, so the colours do not fade over time, and is a lustrous, soft wool from the weavers' own sheep.

 

This wonderful carpet features the Tree of Life motif and the Rams Horn motif, tribal symbols that central to the weaver's life and traditions, in two central medallions. These motifs are woven in simple and contrasting shades of red and blue. Within them are tribal symbols such as two rams horns, the circle of life and the stars in the clear night sky shining on the top of a high mountain. Surrounded by a skilfully woven outer border, this rug is nearly 150 years old but is in excellent condition and would make a wonderful addition to a variety of interiors.