Antique Sumak Persian Carpet 43230

Antique Soumak Carpet, Caucasus, late nineteenth century - Caucasian flatwoven carpets in Sumak technique are famed for their rendering of classic Turkish medallion and Persian floral carpet designs. This extraordinary example, however, has what appears to be a very unusual allover red lattice design  set against a soft blue ground, with radial patterns within each lattice compartment. A closer look, however, reveals that the design is a staggered pattern of blue diamond medallions closely together against a red field that hardly shows through. The crisp geometric drawing is precise and exacting, in the best tradition of Caucasian Soumaks. The floral rosette border, and minor vinescroll borders add a Persian touch, but with the same coloration and drawing as the field, giving the enire piece a remarkably unified decorative emphasis.