Antique Shirvan Rug

Period: Mid 19th Century
Origin: Shirvan, Caucasian
Dimensions: 125 x 155 cm

This rare middle of the 19th century Caucasian Shirvan rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a vibrant ochre-yellow field densely populated with a vertical lattice of multi-colored, stylized floral and cruciform motifs. This structural balance between the luminous, golden central field and the expansive ivory-ground border—decorated with a rhythmic “running dog” or serrated leaf pattern—reflects the pinnacle of the East Caucasian village weaving tradition. Shirvan rugs of this antiquity are world-renowned for their sophisticated technical execution and their ability to maintain a sense of ordered elegance within bold, high-contrast tribal designs.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary golden-yellow ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high-contrast shifts of madder red, midnight indigo, 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 productions. The inclusion of a complex multi-layered border system—anchored by the primary ivory border with its sharp, angular geometry—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 supple yet resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines—including the tiny geometric filler motifs scattered throughout the field—and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash within the yellow and blue sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately, this 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 : 1316

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