Antique Kuba Chi-Chi Rug

Period: Mid 19th Century
Origin: Kuba , Caucasus
Dimensions: 125 x 187 cm

This rare middle of the 19th century East Caucasian Chi-Chi rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a saturated midnight indigo field populated by a dense, all-over “lattice” of multi-colored, stepped geometric rosettes. This structural balance between the deep, luminous ground and the intricate, repeating tribal motifs reflects the pinnacle of the Chi-Chi weaving tradition within the Kuba district. Rugs of this antiquity are world-renowned for their complex border systems and their ability to maintain precise graphic clarity despite the high density of the design.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary midnight indigo ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high-contrast shifts of madder red, ivory, and forest green. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 170 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest mid-19th-century East Caucasian productions. The inclusion of a wide, iconic Chi-Chi primary border—characterized by a rhythmic sequence of diagonal bars alternating with geometric floral rosettes—creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand-spun local wool with a characteristically fine, clipped pile and a firm, resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines—specifically the minute geometric details within the field rosettes and the precisely executed “running dog” and “star” guard borders—definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece as an authentic mid-19th-century Chi-Chi. Ultimately, this rug stands as a premier example of Caucasian textile art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 1361

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