Antique Shahsevan Sumak Bagface

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Caucasus
Dimensions: 56 x 69 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Shahsevan Sumak bagface highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a large-scale stepped octagonal medallion anchored within a vibrant madder red field. This structural balance between the centralized medallion—housing a series of nested geometric rosettes—and the surrounding architectural “shirvan” style motifs reflects the pinnacle of the Northwest Persian nomadic weaving tradition. Textiles of this era from the Shahsevan tribes are world renowned for their extraordinary graphic clarity and the use of the complex “Sumak” flat-weaving technique that represents a distinct artistic language developed over centuries of regional heritage.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary madder red ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of midnight indigo sapphire blue and golden ochre. 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 late 19th century tribal productions. The inclusion of a sophisticated primary border containing a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating geometric rosettes and multiple 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 sturdy handle and the decorative “weft-wrapping” texture inherent to authentic Sumak weaves. The exceptional clarity of the decorative outlines specifically the minute internal details of the geometric filler motifs and the precisely rendered symmetry of the border guards distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Shahsevan. Ultimately this bagface represents a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global museum level collectors.

Stock No: 1737

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