Maffrash Karabag Caucasus. Circa 1850. 108 X 104 Cm

Occasionally, I tackle certain themes through a publication. More often than not, these are recurring topics or well-founded questions. I try to initiate the neophyte and also to break a certain opacity in the sector, sometimes well maintained by certain techniques...
Dating.
This is not an exact science, it's a question of estimating the age of a piece. In fact, the best way to do this is to have seen several thousand pieces over many years!
The most important element is color.
Aspect, depth, luminosity and brilliance tell us how old a color is, and each of these elements corresponds to a relatively precise period. So, let's divide a century into 4 quarters.
Let's take this piece. The hues are deep and intense, as luminous as they are seductive. We're talking purity, density, saturation. From this point on, we're in a pre-20th century period.
Let's continue our investigations and take a look at weaving. Sumak technique. Extremely fine, regular and precise. The motifs seem to be sculpted into the material, verging on perfection. This know-how also corresponds to a period, and we're gradually moving towards the Middle or Early 19th century. A visit to the archives will enable us to put together our concordant clues, as the piece is listed in a reference work on the object in question, see photos.
In short, we don't determine the age of a piece by sight of nose, but more precisely by sight of eye, you guessed it!
Less technical, more emotional now. This Maffrash is a jewel that shines with a thousand lights. The weaving is goldsmith's work. It's fine and refined. Rare and precious. Almost impossible to find. A near-miraculous condition. A highly decorative piece, the kind you never tire of.

Origin:Karabag - Caucasus
Circa 1850
Dim: 108 x 104 cm

Laurent
Beauty of Kilims