Kars Rug - Anatolia. Mid-20th Century. 185 X 130 Cm

There is something immediately familiar about this rug for anyone who loves Caucasian crafts. And that is certainly no coincidence.

Originating from Kars, in the far northeast of Turkey, on the edge of Anatolia and in close proximity to Armenia, this piece comes from a region where Anatolian and Caucasian textile traditions have long intersected. Kars rugs thus readily adopt the geometric vocabulary of their Caucasian neighbors, with a particularly noticeable resemblance to certain Kazak compositions.

Here, that influence is evident. Two large diamond-shaped medallions provide vertical structure to the field. Their sharply defined outlines are extended by hooked and angular shapes, while their centers feature a large star-shaped rosette. Around them, the motifs seem to interlock with one another. The wide ivory border, punctuated by a succession of polychrome stars, brings rhythm and light to the whole.

But what perhaps appeals to me even more is the subtlety of its color palette. Softness and harmony. The brick-red field harmonizes with a beautiful grayish turquoise blue, a deep indigo blue, a saffron yellow, tobacco and hazelnut tones, and a few accents of garnet red.

The colors complement one another with remarkable harmony and lend the rug a chromatic delicacy that is almost unexpected given the powerful, graphic nature of its composition.

It is precisely this contrast that I find interesting: a strong, almost architectural design, carried by surprisingly nuanced colors.

Wool on wool
Almost flat pile
Mid-20th century
Perfect condition
Dimensions: 185 x 130 cm

Laurent
Beauty of Kilims