Antique Marashali Rug

Period: Mid 19th Century
Origin: Marasali, Shirvan
Dimensions: 116 x 325 cm

This rare mid 19th century Caucasian Shirvan Marashali rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a vertical sequence of “boteh” motifs anchored within a deep midnight indigo field. This structural balance between the polychrome diagonal striped botehs and the surrounding field of delicate floral rosettes reflects the pinnacle of the Marasali weaving tradition. Textiles of this era are world renowned for their extraordinary graphic clarity and the use of complex tribal symbols that represent a distinct artistic language developed over centuries of East Caucasian heritage.

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 golden yellow forest green and ivory. 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 regional productions. The inclusion of a sophisticated primary border containing a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating bird like “flaming” motifs and multiple geometric guard bands creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and technical finesse.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically fine knotting technique and a sturdy historic handle. The exceptional clarity of the decorative outlines specifically the minute internal details of the striped boteh figures and the precisely rendered symmetry of the serrated borders distinguishes this piece as a premier example of Caucasian workshop art. Ultimately this rug represents a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global museum level collectors.

Stock No: 6358

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