Antique Karabagh Rug 43221

Antique Karabagh, Caucasus, circa 1900While antique Karabaghs generally belong within the village or tribal weaving tradition of the Caucasus, some like this lovely and unusual example reflect the impact of classical Persian design from further south. Here a series of overlapping medallions with hooked contours is set against a brown-black ground, producing an effect reminiscent of snowflakes. Within the more or less two-tone palette, the clustering of the medallions creates broad swaths of pale tan, while the dark ground is limited to punctuating or defining the clusters. The borders are virtually monochrome except for the dark outlining of the vinescroll, echoing the design approach of the field.