Shirvan Carpet - Caucasus. Circa 1880. 195 X 135 Cm

For Caucasian weavers, blue represented a cosmic material. It went beyond the modern decorative aspect and evoked the depth of twilight in the Caucasus mountains. It recalls the mineral brilliance of lapis lazuli or the intense blue of ancient ink. In the villages around Shirvan in Azerbaijan, indigo blue had almost sacred status. It was sometimes said that a carpet had to contain deep blue to keep the sky in the house.
Depth, luminosity and purity form this most striking chromatic ensemble across the entire central field. The extremely precisely scattered motifs appear like constellations of stars, a kind of celestial atlas. Built around two large central motifs in the form of unstructured crosses, and completed with the same motif divided into two distinct entities on either side, this piece is bewitchingly refined.
This stylized cross takes on an anthropomorphic form where we can also glimpse the long neck of a bird with its folded beak.
To each his own interpretation, however, this powerful symbol positioned like the 4 cardinal points diffuses all the energy and maintains a structural and protective balance over the entire central field.
The narrative vocabulary made up by all the other motifs is exceptionally rich. There are numerous rosettes and other floral motifs, scorpions and even little tarantulas wandering around, 4 in each cross and 4 more on the field! A delight.
Each motif is executed with infinite precision in both volume and outline. Every detail must be seen as irrefutable proof of dazzling dexterity and craftsmanship. You don't describe a piece like this, you enter into it. My gaze is absorbed as I stand in front of it, the coffee having gone cold.
The oblique geometric patterned borders form another continuous protective barrier bordered on either side by finer floral patterned borders. It's magnificent.
The knotted stitch is silversmithing, the short pile, it's like velvet.
Wool on wool.
Stunning vegetal hues.
I end this painting with another tribute, to my friend Keith, I inevitably think of him. A lover of antique textiles and a collector at heart. It was during one of his travels, some thirty years ago, that he brought back with him this extraordinary piece before entrusting it to me. I say this also for those who wonder how one goes about collecting such ancient and precious pieces. We surround ourselves!

Circa 1880
Perfect condition
Impeccable borders, stopping point.

Dim: 195 x 135 cm

Laurent
Beauty of Kilims