Kazak Rug - Sewan. Caucasus. Circa 1900. 238 X 145 Cm

This Kazak rug, originating from the South Caucasus and likely related to the Sewan family, is an exceptional piece. Its composition, the power of its design, the depth of its hues, and its remarkable state of preservation make it a textile work of rare elegance. Everything here seems perfectly executed. The proportions, the balance of colors, and the precision of the motifs attest to remarkable craftsmanship. This is a piece that immediately commands attention, and one never tires of admiring its details.

The composition is organized around a massive red medallion with jagged geometric contours, which occupies nearly the entire length of the rug. In the center, a narrow midnight-blue panel features a series of delicately interconnected floral motifs. This vertical design, of great finesse, contrasts with the power of the forms surrounding it. At the four corners of the indigo-blue field, large polychrome cruciform figures stand out, while a series of richly decorated borders frames the entire composition. Despite the abundance of motifs, the composition remains surprisingly clear. The structure is rigorous and perfectly balanced, and the piece as a whole possesses a genuine architectural and aesthetic power.

The color palette is sumptuous. The reds—ranging from brick to coral to copper tones—interplay with magnificent indigo and slate blues, at times deep, at times subtly grayish. Ivory, golden ochres, browns, and a few touches of glacier blue punctuate this composition with great precision. The plant-based dyes exhibit beautiful abrash, those natural variations in tone that enliven the surface and give it a unique depth. The light thus reveals subtle differences in shades and gradients.

The rug is woven and knotted using wool-on-wool techniques, following the traditional methods of ancient Caucasian craftsmanship. The knotting is precise and even, and the medium-length pile—slightly less than one centimeter high—offers a generous texture that is pleasant to the touch and truly comfortable underfoot. Likely dating from around 1900, this piece has survived in exceptional condition. Its state of preservation is all the more remarkable given that this rug has endured for over a century without losing either the strength of its design or the vibrancy of its colors.

Kazak Rug – Southern Caucasus
Based on my research, it is likely related to the Sewan family.

Woven and knotted wool on wool
Plant-based dyes
Circa 1900
Dimensions: 238 × 145 cm
Exceptional condition

Choosing an antique rug or textile is often a matter of serendipity.
If one of our pieces catches your eye, or if you’d like more information or photos, I’d be happy to discuss it with you.

Laurent Consul
Beauty of Kilims
06 42 61 73 46