Antique Kuba Shirvan Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Kuba
Dimensions: 115 x 165 cm

This rare late 19th century Caucasian Kuba Shirvan rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a dense all over lattice of stylized floral and cruciform motifs rendered in vibrant primary tones. This structural balance between the midnight indigo field and the multiple intricate borders—including a primary ivory ground border decorated with colorful geometric rosettes—reflects the pinnacle of the East Caucasian weaving tradition. Kuba Shirvan rugs of this period are world renowned for their sophisticated technical execution and their ability to maintain a sense of ordered elegance within complex, high-contrast tribal designs.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary midnight blue 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 130 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century Caucasian productions. The inclusion of a complex multi-layered border system, featuring the classic “Kufic” inspired patterns and rhythmic floral medallions, creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the village weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically fine, even pile and a resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash within the indigo and red sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately, this Kuba Shirvan rug stands as a premier example of Caucasian art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 1250

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