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Lot Essay
Although the number of white ground star Kazaks has increased considerably since the article on the group was published (Pinner, Robert and Franses, Michael: "Star Kazaks", Hali, vol.3, no.1, pp.17-26), there only around ten good type A examples (Hali, April 1990, p.166). Not surprisingly three of these hold the three top places for auction prices of 19th century Caucasian rugs.
Four of the group A rugs bear dates which confirm them to have been made through the 19th century. One is dated AH 1255/1839-40 AD (or possibly AH 1200/1785-6 AD, but this is less likely) (Pinner and Franses, op.cit., pl.1, p.20; Herrmann, Eberhart: Seltene Orientteppiche IV, Munich, 1982, no.45, pp.150-151), one dated AH 1233/1817-18 AD, AH 1244/1828-9 AD or AH 1266/1849-50 AD, (Kirchheim, Heinrich et al.: Orient Stars, a Carpet Collection,, Stuttgart and London, 1993, p.35), and a third dated 1265/1848-9 AD (Herrmann, Eberhart: Von Konya bis Kokand, Munich, no.19, p.65). Within this context, the date on the present example, with its slightly more condensed drawing, appears to be accurate. The condition, even with this slightly later date, is remarkably good.
The origin of the design has been the subject of some discussion, beginning with the 1980 Hali article. The subject is discussed at some length by Heinrich Kirchheim (Orient Stars, Stuttgart and London, 1983, pp.31-33). Eberhart Herrmann believes that the design derives from the 15th century "Crivelli" star designs ("Connoisseur's Choice", Hali 49, February 1990, p.14). This however does not account for a small group of Caucasian rugs which appear to be at an intermediate stage between a Persian original with palmettes and the wholly stylised interpretation one finds here (Hasson, R.: Caucasian Rugs, Jerusalem, 1986, no.38, pp.96-7; Christie's London 17 October 1996, lot 402). While not discounting the long-term influence of the earlier Turkish source, the clearly demonstrable link between Persian 17th century designs and Caucasian 18th century carpets, which in turn are the basis for great number of 19th century weeavings, make it difficult to discount the influence this group of carpets may have had in the development of the present design.
Four of the group A rugs bear dates which confirm them to have been made through the 19th century. One is dated AH 1255/1839-40 AD (or possibly AH 1200/1785-6 AD, but this is less likely) (Pinner and Franses, op.cit., pl.1, p.20; Herrmann, Eberhart: Seltene Orientteppiche IV, Munich, 1982, no.45, pp.150-151), one dated AH 1233/1817-18 AD, AH 1244/1828-9 AD or AH 1266/1849-50 AD, (Kirchheim, Heinrich et al.: Orient Stars, a Carpet Collection,, Stuttgart and London, 1993, p.35), and a third dated 1265/1848-9 AD (Herrmann, Eberhart: Von Konya bis Kokand, Munich, no.19, p.65). Within this context, the date on the present example, with its slightly more condensed drawing, appears to be accurate. The condition, even with this slightly later date, is remarkably good.
The origin of the design has been the subject of some discussion, beginning with the 1980 Hali article. The subject is discussed at some length by Heinrich Kirchheim (Orient Stars, Stuttgart and London, 1983, pp.31-33). Eberhart Herrmann believes that the design derives from the 15th century "Crivelli" star designs ("Connoisseur's Choice", Hali 49, February 1990, p.14). This however does not account for a small group of Caucasian rugs which appear to be at an intermediate stage between a Persian original with palmettes and the wholly stylised interpretation one finds here (Hasson, R.: Caucasian Rugs, Jerusalem, 1986, no.38, pp.96-7; Christie's London 17 October 1996, lot 402). While not discounting the long-term influence of the earlier Turkish source, the clearly demonstrable link between Persian 17th century designs and Caucasian 18th century carpets, which in turn are the basis for great number of 19th century weeavings, make it difficult to discount the influence this group of carpets may have had in the development of the present design.