19th Century Antique European Portuguese Carpet

When many people think of carpets, what comes to mind are the pile rugs and traditional kilims of the middle east. Kilims are similar to a tapestry weaving and have a flat weave, as ...

The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and carpets for both interna...

78977 Late 19th Century Antique Caucasian Kazak Prayer Rug, 03'04 x 03'10. This hand-knotted wool antique Caucasian Kazak Prayer rug from the 1880s transports us to a time when craftsmanship and spirituality were interwoven into everyday life. With its rich blue field, adorned with a scattering of vibrant eight-pointed stars, this Kazak rug evokes the night sky, offering both beauty and deep symbolic meaning. The stars, representing happiness, shine brightly across the central field, their eight points embodying the "Star of Wisdom," a symbol of man’s potential to gain understanding through life's challenges. The Caucasus tribespeople lived an elemental life, believing that wisdom, earned through hard experiences, was the greatest possession one could obtain. At the heart of the design lies a distinctive mihrab, or prayer niche, providing a directional layout for worship. This sacred space is filled with esoteric tribal motifs, each with protective and spiritual significance. The protection amulet woven into the mihrab ward off malevolent spirits, while the cross motif, with its intersecting vertical and horizontal lines, divides the evil eye’s power into four pieces, diminishing its harmful effect. Also present is the ying-yang symbol, representing the harmonious balance between male and female energies, a reminder of the importance of unity and balance in both life and nature. The antique Kazak rug's border is equally captivating, offering its own story of protection and strength. The innermost guard band showcases a series of S-hook motifs, another ancient symbol believed to protect against the evil eye. Surrounding this, the main border features Ram’s Horn motifs, symbolizing fertility, heroism, power, and masculinity. These bold geometric forms not only add to the visual appeal of the this Kazak prayer rug but also remind the owner of the strength and vitality essential to the survival of the Caucasian people in their rugged landscape. Finally, the outermost running water guard band highlights the importance of water to life in the Caucasus. Water, essential for both people and animals, represents inner purification and renewal. The repetition of this motif underscores its significance in the tribes’ elemental lifestyle. This antique Kazak Prayer rug...

78943 Antique Caucasian Shahsavan Jajim Kilim Rug, 02'06 x 06'09. This handwoven wool Caucasian Shahsavan Jajim Kilim rug, a rare and beautiful piece from the late 19th century, stan...