Lot Essay
The deep green-ground of the present rug displays the classic 4:1:4 field design of the weavings associated with Karachopf in the Kazak region of the south Caucasus. The large, nearly square format provides space for the central motif – usually an ivory octagon – which has been adapted to fit the increased width of the field, assuming a broad, stretched shape. The deep salmon-pink border displays a classic 'serrated leaf and calyx vine' border at each end which changes to a 'serrated leaf and triple-bracket bar' on each side. A closely comparable example, apart from its inclusion of additional deer-like animals around the central medallion, is illustrated in Raoul Tschebull's, Kazak, New York, 1971, pp.84-5, pl.33. `