Maffrash Karabakh. Caucasus. Circa 1880. 150 X 100 Cm

The Maffrash hold a very special place in our collection. Over the years, we have gathered several dozen of them, ranging from remarkable fragments to complete pieces that have retained their original construction.

This collection, painstakingly assembled over more than twenty-five years, reflects our special attachment to these objects that symbolize nomadic life.

If you’d like to explore our entire selection of Maffrash currently available, please don’t hesitate to contact us: we’d be happy to send you our complete catalog.

At first glance, what catches the eye about this piece is the extreme delicacy of the weave. The word “refinement” comes to mind, and one immediately thinks of the weaver’s immense dexterity. The patterns are executed with infinite precision; they seem almost sculpted into the fabric.

Maffrash belong to the broad family of everyday objects once used by the nomadic peoples of Persia and the Caucasus.

The decorative style of this piece unambiguously places it among the Armenian productions of the Caucasus.
The two large outer panels are made using the particularly demanding Sumak technique, while the central section is constructed as a succession of multicolored woven bands—wool upon wool.

The colors, derived exclusively from plant dyes, are rich and saturated. They possess that depth so characteristic of antique wool, while retaining a remarkable luminosity. The colors complement and balance each other, creating a perfectly mastered harmony. This is great art!

Circa 1880
Dimensions: 150 × 100 cm

Laurent
Beauty of Kilims