Antique Kuba Shirvan Runner

Period: Mid 19th Century
Origin: Kuba, Caucasian
Dimensions: 110 x 360 cm

This rare mid 19th century Caucasian Kuba Shirvan runner highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring an elongated midnight indigo field framed by dramatic, serrated “shark-tooth” edges. This structural balance between the minimalist, saturated central column and the complex, multi-layered border system reflects the pinnacle of the East Caucasian weaving tradition, specifically from the Kuba-Shirvan district. Runners of this antiquity are world-renowned for their sophisticated graphic tension and the inclusion of charming tribal details, such as the small stylized animal (quadruped) figure visible at the lower end of the indigo field.

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 sky blue. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 130 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest 19th-century Shirvan productions. The inclusion of a wide primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of geometric “Kufic” or star-filled cartouches 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 sharp, reciprocating points of the inner guard border and the precisely executed geometric rosettes within the primary border—and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash throughout the indigo field definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately, this Kuba Shirvan runner 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 : 1076

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