Antique Moghan Rug

Period: Mid 19th Century
Origin: Caucasian
Dimensions: 137 x 237 cm

This rare middle of the 19th century Caucasian Moghan rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a vertical sequence of six monumental, nested diamond medallions anchored within a saturated madder red field. This structural balance between the vibrant field and the high-contrast, multi-colored medallions reflects the pinnacle of the Moghan nomadic weaving tradition, known for its bold graphic tension and archaic “latch-hook” silhouettes. Rugs of this antiquity and “unusual” character are world-renowned for their complex use of reciprocating geometric forms that create a sense of architectural depth.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary madder red ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high-contrast shifts of sapphire blue, lemon 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 Caucasian tribal productions. The inclusion of an ivory-ground primary border—decorated with a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating, multi-colored serrated motifs—creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and the distinctive technical finesse of the Moghan weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand-spun local wool with a characteristically resilient pile and a firm, substantial handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines—specifically the intricate nested diamonds with their internal checkerboard centers and the precisely executed geometric guard borders—and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash throughout the red and blue sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece as an authentic mid-19th-century artifact. Ultimately, this Moghan 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 : 1394

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