Shirvan Rug - Caucasus. Circa 1880. 155 X 101 Cm

Sensational and moving, this Shirvan rug originates from Azerbaijan in the Caucasus. What elegance! A perfect harmony of light and softness. The piece is woven and knotted wool upon wool. Visually and to the touch, one instantly recognizes the inimitable texture of ancient Caucasian rugs. The pile is short. Lightness, delicacy, refinement. The rug is as light as a cloud, supple, and rests on the floor like a young feather. From a compositional point of view, one observes a very rich and perfectly executed decorative vocabulary. The deep blue central field depicts a garden. It is structured by three vertical rows of large octagonal motifs, each protecting a stylized floral rosette. Symbols related to nature, life, and fertility cover the entire field, bursting forth bathed in this liquid-like indigo blue. Between the large medallions, scattered at regular intervals, appear other small floral motifs and shapes evoking leaves and buds. Here again, fertility and life are present. To complete this picture, it was necessary to frame this garden with a series of protective motifs. These are contained within the main border and in an unbroken alignment of "S"-shaped motifs, which are in fact protective serpents. Tones of deep blue, ivory, pistachio green, and brick red. All in perfect harmony. Pure dream, a delicate work filled with stories, culture, and ancestral beliefs. Circa 1880. Very fine condition, intact borders, stop stitch at each end. Dimensions: 155 x 101 cm. Laurent Beauty of Kilims