Shahsavan

Mid 19th century, 206 x 105 cm, South East Caucasus, Moghan region

This fascinating rug displays a design of multi-coloured diagonal stripes in the field and reciprocal trefoils composed of triangles in the wide, white main border; it was probably made by a Moghan Shahsavan tribal group. Indications are the slightly irregular weave and the style of the field design which does not appear static, but conveys a sense of movement created by the undulating bands of varying widths. The design of the outer, yellow-and-red secondary border is also encountered in Shahsavan flatweaves. According to Herrmann, a very similar rug was produced in the north eastern Caucasus. – Signs of age and wear, low spots in the pile. Good overall condition, original finishes all around.

HERRMANN, EBERHART, Kaukasische Teppichkunst im 19. Jahrhundert. Ein Bilderbuch. München 1993, Nr.9