Chelaberd

Second half 19th century, 223 x 160 cm, South Caucasus, Karabagh region

This antique Chelaberd shows two complete and one truncated sunburst medallions in a brilliant red field. In the past, the carpets of this distinctive group were described as Eagle Kazaks in the rug trade, although most of them originate from the Karabagh region. The main motif was drawn from the design repertoire of older Caucasian workshop weavings; here it is seen in a greatly enlarged form in an autonomous composition. The Chelaberd published by Engelhardt which compares well was woven by Armenians, as proven by the inscription in the upper horizontal border. – Very good condition, original finishes all around, a high pile.

TEPPICH-ENGELHARDT (Hrsg.), Perlen unter den Teppichen des Orients. Mannheim 1976, Nr.627