Kuba Sumakh

Mid 19th century, 314 x 147 cm, East Caucasus, Azerbaijan

The three-row tree design in the light red field is composed of shield palmettes, hooked diamonds and white V-shaped motifs which may be abstract animal figures. Alternating at regular intervals, the three devices are positioned at the same height in the two outer trees, whereas those of the central tree are offset against them, lending the composition a varied and animated character. Spaciously arranged, rectilinear vines decorated with hooks surround the trees and create an irregular framework of lines on the ground. The sumakh may have been woven in the Baku region, as the style of the border designs would suggest. The serrated leaves drawn in specific colours are often encountered in Baku pile rugs. Another example of this very rare group has been published by Boralevi. – Slight signs of age and wear, original finishes all around.

BORALEVI, ALBERTO, Sumakh. Flat-woven carpets of the Caucasus. Florence 1986, no. 5