Lot Essay
Warp: wool, tan, natural, Z3S
Weft: wool, tan to reddish tan, natural(?), Z2S, 2 shoots alternating
Pile: wool, Z2 or camel hair, Z2, symmetric, zero degree alternate warp depression, H7xV11
Sides: 3 bundles of 2 body warps wrapped in various pile colors
Ends: not original
Colors: old gold, ivory, medium blue, tomato, brick, aubergine-black, grass green, brown, dark blue, natural black, camel, medium green
Nothwithstanding the incredible decorative appeal, remarkable condition, varied palette and balanced design of the lot offered here it also stands as a testament to 19th century weaving traditions in Southwest Caucasus and Northwest Persia. Current day typology, based on late 19th century prototypes, undoubtedly place this long rug as a Kazak. However, it is quite possible, given the fact that it was woven in the early part of the 19th century in an area under Persian influence, that it was woven by the Shahsavan. The large date, the use of camel hair in the field and the wide and varied palette are consistent with other early 19th century Shahsavan weavings.
A related Caucasian/Southwest Persian runner is in the collection of W. Parsons Todd (see Pittenger, R. and Mallary, R. D. III, Oriental Rugs from the Collection of W. Parsons Todd, 1992, pp. 32-33). Also with a rare yellow mustard ground, it employs the same type of hexagonal medallions (based on Persian prototypes), angular vinery and tree-like motifs. As the authurs suggest, the wide and varied palette, both in the Todd example and the present lot, indicate an early 19th century date.
Weft: wool, tan to reddish tan, natural(?), Z2S, 2 shoots alternating
Pile: wool, Z2 or camel hair, Z2, symmetric, zero degree alternate warp depression, H7xV11
Sides: 3 bundles of 2 body warps wrapped in various pile colors
Ends: not original
Colors: old gold, ivory, medium blue, tomato, brick, aubergine-black, grass green, brown, dark blue, natural black, camel, medium green
Nothwithstanding the incredible decorative appeal, remarkable condition, varied palette and balanced design of the lot offered here it also stands as a testament to 19th century weaving traditions in Southwest Caucasus and Northwest Persia. Current day typology, based on late 19th century prototypes, undoubtedly place this long rug as a Kazak. However, it is quite possible, given the fact that it was woven in the early part of the 19th century in an area under Persian influence, that it was woven by the Shahsavan. The large date, the use of camel hair in the field and the wide and varied palette are consistent with other early 19th century Shahsavan weavings.
A related Caucasian/Southwest Persian runner is in the collection of W. Parsons Todd (see Pittenger, R. and Mallary, R. D. III, Oriental Rugs from the Collection of W. Parsons Todd, 1992, pp. 32-33). Also with a rare yellow mustard ground, it employs the same type of hexagonal medallions (based on Persian prototypes), angular vinery and tree-like motifs. As the authurs suggest, the wide and varied palette, both in the Todd example and the present lot, indicate an early 19th century date.