Chichi

Third quarter 19th century, 305 x 119 cm, East Caucasus, Kuba-Shirvan region

This unusually large Chichi was made in the border area of two East Caucasian regions, Kuba and Shirvan. The comparatively fine weave, the structure without warp displacement, the soft handle and the white cotton overcasting along the sides are characteristic Shirvan features. On the other hand, the dense Khyrdagyd repeat of small sharp-edged designs drawn in a particular style which adorns the midnight blue field, and the white kufic vine seen in the green-ground main border are typical of Kuba rugs. Seeing that the lines between the main groups are fuzzy, it is often impossible to clearly distinguish the various Caucasian provenances; this example is another case in point. Very good quality, brilliant colours. – The pile survives at its original height, original selvedges.