Derbent Carpet (south Caucasus), Circa 1980 - Wool Velvet On Wool Foundation

DERBENT rug (South Caucasus), made around 1980 Wool velvet on wool foundation Dimensions: 225 x 186 cm Good general condition This rug from the Caucasus is made of wool velvet, hand-knotted. The central field with a red background is decorated with 3 polychrome medallions in a flattened octagonal shape, decorated with crab claws, tarantulas and star flowers. It includes four borders, the main one of which, with a beige background, is decorated with knives and flower buds. The city of Derbent is the historic capital of Dagestan, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea and close to the foothills of the South Caucasus. Carpets from Dagestan are very appreciated for the richness of their fairly high wool and a beautiful natural shine, as well as for the softness of its red and yellow hues. They have not varied much over the ages. Protected by its mountains, Dagestan continues to weave carpets as it did several hundred years ago. We recognize them by their geometric designs, their diagonal lines of different colors and the fairly bright colors where dark blue, red and often yellow dominate.