19th Century Antique Caucasian Shirvan

About the Item

Shirvan – Southeast Caucasus This cheerful Shirvan features a red medallion with a sky-blue diamond over the yellow field. The entire area of the rug is filled with staggered polygons, stars and other geometric figures that illuminate the carpet with their lights. The border is filled with stylized tulips. An antique Shirvan that continues radiating its joy. The historic district of Shirvan has produced many highly decorative rugs with an aesthetic complexity found in a few Caucasian rugs. The depth of colours, composition complexity, and geometric patterns featured in ancient Shirvan rugs differentiate them from those produced in other regions of the Caucasus. Shirvan, part of modern Azerbaijan, has been populated mainly by Azeris and Armenians, skilled dyers, and experienced weavers. The shape of ancient Shirvan rugs is generally long and narrow, which was preferred by Caucasian consumers. Large medallions filled with polychrome symbols are prominently featured as Afghan geometric patterns similar to arabesques with palm trees. Impressive patterns that occupy the entire carpet area, symbols, and flower lattices are also used. Carpets from the Shirvan region include those produced in Marasali, Baku and other surrounding villages. Regardless of the shape or geometric patterns featured, antique Shirvan rugs are full of bold colours, powerful symbols and subtle details that contribute to their aesthetic richness. Unfortunately, magnificent high-quality Shirvan are no longer produced. Its manufacture declined before the turn of the 20th century. The Transcaucasian railway opened up the region in the 1870s, creating an avenue for European traders to reach more easily. These traders brought enormous quantities of these rugs to hungry consumers of Caucasian art. Due to increasing demand, artists began creating even more intricate designs with extremely fine weaves and high knot counts. Demand, however, soon exceeded the weavers’ ability to produce the quantity desired by the trade. As a result, in the 1890s, carpet workshops began to replace individual artists’ studios. Commercial dyes replaced natural ones. The designs became simpler and more symmetrical. The most straightforward designs, although small, were excluded from the drawing. The loss of these motifs meant a lack of the individualism that marked these unique Shirvan rugs. Shirvan rugs are often the most sought-after antique rugs from the Caucasus. Interestingly, they are closely related in design and colouring to Kuba rugs. However, Shirvan tends to be distinguished by a larger, more flexible weave. They also feature a medallion design, while the Kuba have designs that take up the entire central area of the rug. Still, Shirvan and Kubas rugs contrast with the bolder graphic design of South Caucasian rugs such as Kazak and Karabagh. They are more detailed, with precise articulations in shape and the visual effects produced by their richness of colours. What draws attention to Shirvan rugs is their elegant yet simple design. Medallions sprout from the deep blue background, for example, offering a striking visual graphic effect that is innovative and sophisticated. Each line of Shirvan rugs produces a specific effect. Every aspect of the design is in natural harmony with balance and symmetry.

Dimensions:

Width: 44.89 in (114 cm)Length: 44.89 in (114 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Wool,Hand-Knotted

Place of Origin:

Iran

Period:

Late 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1875

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.