Antique Shirvan Rug

Period: Early 19th Century
Origin: Caucasus
Dimensions: 105 x 145 cm

This rare early 19th century Shirvan rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic composition featuring three monumental octagonalLesghi style medallions set vertically along a rich madder red central field framed by stepped geometric corner spandrels. This structural balance between the red central gallery field filled with geometric octagons, stylized tree motifs, and archaic star devices, surrounding inner barber pole guard bands, and broad saffron yellow main border filled with repeating blue and red diamond lattice elements reflects the pinnacle of traditional Eastern Caucasian Shirvan fine craftsmanship world renowned for its bold tribal geometry, fine knotting, decorative clarity, and majestic graphic presence. Textiles of this antiquity are celebrated for their ability to blend highly expressive regional nomadic design narratives with a striking heraldic pattern rhythm.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary madder red canvas contrasted by saffron yellow, forest green, cobalt blue, sky blue, and luminous natural ivory accents, framed by a continuous wide golden yellow main border flanked by detailed inner and outer guard bands that allow the central red field and octagonal medallions to step forward dynamically. These rich and enduring tones achieved through the expert application of natural vegetable dyes over 200 years ago exhibit a characteristic gentle patina, soft historic abrash, and an organic wool texture that are hallmarks of the finest early 19th century Caucasian regional productions. The multi layered framing borders create a powerful visual boundary that highlights the superior hand spun wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the weaver.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun wool woven with a characteristically resilient, finely knotted structure and a supple yet sturdy handle tailored for expressive architectural spaces. The exceptional clarity of the bold geometric outlines, specifically the perfectly balanced symmetry of the central medallion sequence and corresponding multi band borders, definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic early 19th century Shirvan rug production. Ultimately, this decorative textile stands as a premier example of classical Caucasian tribal art representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global collectors.

Stock No: 3068

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