Museum Curated Limited Edition New Quba, Handmade

About the Item

This is an exceptional rug, brand new, and made under special circumstances. Let us tell you briefly the back story. Modern day Azerbaijan with its many mountains and valleys, as in past centuries is a mosaic of different tribal peoples, isolated towns and villages with a millenia old tradition of Fine weaving. Caucasian carpets as they are broadly referred to in the trade consist of at least 100 distinct styles, unique to specific villages, districts or regions. And each carpet is individual, no two are exactly alike. Caucasian carpets represent a high point in creative weaving and in quality and older examples are sought after by collectors. As in Persia (Iran) modernization across the 2Oth century often, if not always, brought about a decline in quality of carpet design and weaving quality as compared with the increasingly rare productions of the 19th century which command high prices – and are very difficult to find in a perfect condition, suitable for reasonably heavy wear – they are collector’s items. A small group of local enthusiasts aided by the government, and in liaison with the world famous (amongst rug aficionados) Azerbaijan carpet museum, Baku sought out the finest remaining village weavers and dyers to create a small quantity of original new carpets of the highest quality following and reviving tradition and honoring it. We have acquired a small number of these pieces, which are accurate renditions of their village type, as to pattern language and color, and handwoven to the very highest standards. These are each individual one of a kind pieces. This is a limited, carefully curated series. As we are collectors and dealers in 19th century and earlier Caucasian carpets, we found the purity of this pursuit to be compelling. What we noted, relevant for purchasers, is that the wool and weaving quality and density exceeds in many cases, that of the earlier productions of the 19th century: these are wonderfully strong carpets which will last 100 years, or more with heavy wear. For this project only the finest available lanolin rich wool was selected. The weavers were carefully chosen from a range of village environments around the country. Artistically, they dazzle. The colors achieve the desired mellowness of a well aged antique collectible, there is a Fine hand woven quality seen in the designs and the Fine hand work. Each of these rugs required between 9-12 months to weave on a hand loom. This, we confess is our favourite piece in this unique series of one off , not to be repeated, museum supervised Caucasian carpets of high distinction . Each of them are handwoven to the highest standards. It successfully evokes the excitement of the “oriental” carpet and stands as a modern masterpiece. As said above, the wool quality and weaving exceeds that of most 19th century examples. This piece effectively evokes, fully, the traditional symbols and pattern language of Caucasian, and in this case the famed Quba tradition: it deserves a careful viewing of a few minutes, as you will make discoveries. Of very special note is the rare intricate background field, not often seen even in the most intricate 19th century examples, a Fine and deliberately varying, shifting under pattern which adds immense if subtle character to the overall composition. Have a close look. The overall drama and force of this piece exceeds- in visual drama and excitement-- in our opinion, even that of the famed Eagle Kazak where antique and often worn pieces which are in constant demand by collectors and appreciating year on year .And it is of singular and unique design – we have never seen a design of precisely this sort, though it is fully and instantly recognizable as a Quba, fully in the tradition, and as a masterful representation of the best in Caucasian weaving – striking and powerful. For those who wonder, the use of the Swastika emblem which appears in the medallion, and elsewhere – this is an ancient symbol originating at least 3,000 years ago, seen occasionally in antique pieces, much less commonly than the horizontal S figure. The former was a symbol of life appropriated by the odious regime with which we are all too familiar, a part of their deluded fantasies as to an Aryan origin, which they attributed, falsely, to this part of the world. Originally throughout the ages, it was a symbol of goodness, and power, like the horizontal S which was closely associated with Zoroaster, founder of the first monotheistic religion which influenced both Christianity and Judaism, from its origins circa 2800 BC. The double main borders are exquisitely drawn, in this 5 border configuration, based on flowers which occupy along with bird figures, a continual place in Caucasian design. The colours deserve a careful examination, along with their deliberate slight variations in tone – the French sky blue, and mellow reds as well as the yellows which bring both life and statlieness to the piece. The size of this piece at nearly 8 feet in length make it a versatile addition of beauty for many areas within the home. It is clearly an antique of the future, and is of such strength and durability will last many generations , even under heavy wear conditions . Above all, as one singular piece i a this limited edition project, it will not be repeated, it is unique.

Dimensions:

Width: 75 in (190.5 cm)Length: 93 in (236.22 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Wool,Hand-Knotted

Place of Origin:

Azerbaijan

Period:

21st Century

Date of Manufacture:

2018

Condition:

Seller Location: