Caucasian Rugs

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Learn More About Antique Caucasian Rugs

What does “Caucasian” mean?

The term “Caucasian” historically referred to a racial classification used to categorize people primarily of European ancestry. It originated from the belief that the Caucasus region, located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, was the homeland of the supposed “Caucasian race.” The term was popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries by scholars and anthropologists who attempted to categorize human populations based on physical characteristics.

In contemporary usage, however, the term “Caucasian” is considered outdated and imprecise. It has fallen out of favor in academic and scientific contexts due to its lack of scientific validity and its association with racial hierarchies and discriminatory practices. Instead, more specific terms like “European” or “White” are often used to describe individuals of European ancestry.

It’s important to note that race is a complex social construct and lacks a clear biological or genetic basis. Human genetic diversity is not neatly divided into distinct racial categories, and the concept of race is now widely recognized as a flawed and oversimplified way to understand human populations.

What are Caucasian rugs?

The antique Caucasian rugs get their name from the area in which they were made – the Caucasus. The Caucasus is a region that produces distinctive rugs since the end of the 18th century and the antique Caucasian rugs are primarily produced as village pieces rather than the fine and intricate city productions. Caucasian rugs are best known for featuring bold geometric and tribal designs in primary colors.

The antique rugs from the Caucasus are primarily made of materials that are (or were) particular to their tribal provinces and some of the styles that are “typical” or better known to the Caucasus region are Shirvan, Dagestan, Kuba, Kazak, Karachopf rugs. Caucasian Rugs are probably the most widely collected type of antique rugs. The strongest market for Caucasian rugs has to be Italy who appreciates these rugs for their tribal and primitive designs. Another reason why the Italian market is so strong is the fact that most of the rooms as considerably smaller than those in the USA – since the Caucasian rugs are smaller in size (rarely bigger than 5 x 8 ) they are the perfect size for their rooms.

Chief countries of origin were Kuba, Dagestan, Shirvan, Talish and Baku in the East, and Ganjeh, Kazak, and Karabagh in the southwest Caucasus. While Caucasian carpets tend to feature floral designs, their style or rendering is usually highly abstract or geometric, with considerable emphasis on rich and varied color.

Central Asia is the pre-eminent region for nomadic rug production. Chief among the rug producing Central Asian nomads were the Turkomans, whose work is prized for its precise weave and drawing and meticulous allover repeat designs, although generally in a subdued or restricted palette. Turkoman rugs are often called “Bokara” in the rug trade, after the chief central Asian city from which they were exported to the West. Other central Asia nomads like the Baluch, Uzbeks, and Khirgiz produced bolder designs with a brighter, more varied palette, but their pattern repertory is still closely related to that of the Turkomans. In addition to floor rugs or carpets, many central Asian weaving were made as storage bags and decorative trappings.

The mountainous region of the Caucasus has been an attested center of rug production since at least the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

In the nineteenth century the Caucasus became a major area of village rug production for export under official Russian control.

What makes Caucasian rugs so special?

Caucasian rugs, originating from the Caucasus region, which spans parts of present-day Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Iran, are highly regarded for their unique qualities and cultural significance.

Several factors contribute to the special nature of Caucasian rugs:

  • Diverse Tribal and Village Weaving: The Caucasus region is home to numerous ethnic groups and communities, each with its own weaving traditions. Caucasian rugs encompass a wide variety of designs, motifs, and techniques, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the region. Each rug often carries the unique artistic expression of the tribe or village where it was crafted.
  • Bold and Geometric Patterns: Caucasian rugs are known for their bold and geometric patterns. These designs often feature intricate medallions, geometric motifs, and vibrant colors, creating visually striking compositions. The boldness of the patterns sets Caucasian rugs apart and contributes to their decorative appeal.
  • Rich Color Palette: Caucasian rugs typically feature a rich and saturated color palette. Deep reds, blues, greens, and yellows are commonly used, and the colors are often achieved through the use of natural dyes. The vibrant and harmonious color combinations contribute to the rugs’ overall aesthetic allure.
  • High-Quality Craftsmanship: Traditional Caucasian rugs are handwoven with great skill and attention to detail. The weavers use high-quality wool, often sourced locally, resulting in rugs that are durable and have a distinctive texture. The handcrafted nature of these rugs adds to their artistic and cultural value.
  • Symbolic Motifs: Many Caucasian rugs incorporate symbolic motifs that hold cultural or religious significance. These motifs can include stylized animals, plants, or geometric symbols that convey messages or traditions unique to the communities that produce the rugs. This symbolism adds depth and meaning to the rugs.
  • Cultural Heritage: Caucasian rugs have a deep cultural heritage, rooted in the history and traditions of the people in the Caucasus region. The craftsmanship, designs, and techniques have been passed down through generations, contributing to the rugs’ authenticity and cultural importance.
  • Versatility in Design: While some regions within the Caucasus have specific design characteristics, Caucasian rugs, in general, exhibit a versatile range of designs. This versatility makes them suitable for a variety of interior design styles, from traditional to eclectic and even contemporary.
  • Collectible and Antique Value: Antique Caucasian rugs are often sought after by collectors for their historical and artistic value. These rugs, especially those produced by specific tribes or villages, can become rare and valuable pieces that contribute to the heritage of carpet weaving.
  • Handwoven Techniques: The use of traditional handwoven techniques, such as the use of a symmetric knot, contributes to the uniqueness of Caucasian rugs. The craftsmanship involved in creating these rugs adds to their special nature and distinguishes them from machine-made counterparts.

Overall, the combination of diverse designs, bold patterns, rich colors, cultural symbolism, high-quality craftsmanship, and historical significance makes Caucasian rugs special and highly appreciated in the world of textile art and interior design.

How do people decorate around Caucasian rugs?

Decorating around Caucasian rugs involves considering the unique characteristics of these rugs and creating a harmonious space that complements their bold patterns and vibrant colors.

Here are some tips for decorating around Caucasian rugs:

  • Use the Rug as a Focal Point: Allow the Caucasian rug to be a central focal point in the room. Arrange furniture in a way that emphasizes the rug, and let it define the overall color scheme and design aesthetic of the space.
  • Coordinate Colors: Build the room’s color palette around the colors present in the Caucasian rug. Select furniture, upholstery, and accessories that complement or echo the rug’s vibrant hues. This helps create a cohesive and visually pleasing look.
  • Neutral Furniture: Consider incorporating neutral-colored furniture to balance the bold patterns of the rug. Neutral tones, such as beige, gray, or cream, allow the rug to take center stage without overwhelming the space.
  • Layering with Textures: Add depth and interest to the room by incorporating different textures. Mix and match textures in furniture upholstery, throw pillows, and accessories. This can include leather, woven fabrics, metallic accents, and other materials that complement the rug’s texture.
  • Avoid Clashing Patterns: While layering textures is encouraged, be cautious about introducing competing patterns. If the Caucasian rug has bold geometric patterns, consider using solid-colored or subtly patterned upholstery to avoid visual overload.
  • Select Complementary Artwork: Choose artwork and wall decor that complements the style and color palette of the rug. Consider pieces that incorporate similar colors or thematic elements to enhance the overall design cohesion.
  • Balance with Plain Walls: If the rug has intricate patterns and vibrant colors, consider keeping the walls relatively plain to maintain a sense of balance. Neutral or light-colored walls can provide a backdrop that allows the rug to shine.
  • Embrace Eclectic Decor: Caucasian rugs often have an eclectic and cultural appeal. Don’t be afraid to mix in other eclectic or global decor elements, such as ethnic textiles, pottery, or artifacts, to enhance the rug’s cultural charm.
  • Consider Lighting: Pay attention to lighting fixtures in the room. Choose lighting that complements the style of the rug. Unique or handcrafted light fixtures can add to the overall character of the space.
  • Define Spaces: Use the Caucasian rug to define specific areas within a room. In open-concept spaces, rugs can delineate seating or dining areas, helping create distinct zones.
  • Mix Vintage and Modern Elements: Incorporate a mix of vintage and modern furniture pieces to create an eclectic and dynamic look. This blending of styles can enhance the rug’s versatility and fit various design preferences.
  • Accessorize Thoughtfully: Add accessories that enhance the overall design. Consider using throw pillows, blankets, or decorative items that complement the rug’s colors and patterns. Be mindful of the balance between accessorizing and maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.

Remember that decorating around a Caucasian rug should be an enjoyable process that allows you to celebrate the rug’s unique cultural and artistic qualities. Experiment with different elements until you achieve a balanced and visually appealing interior design.

Why are the Caucasian rugs specifically, the most collectible type of rug?

Caucasian rugs are often considered among the most collectible types of rugs for several reasons, combining artistic, cultural, and historical significance.

Here are some factors contributing to the high collectability of Caucasian rugs:

  • Diverse Tribal and Village Weaving Traditions: The Caucasus region is home to numerous ethnic groups and communities, each with its own distinct weaving traditions. The variety of designs, motifs, and techniques across different tribes and villages make Caucasian rugs highly diverse and intriguing for collectors.
  • Unique and Bold Designs: Caucasian rugs are known for their bold and distinctive designs, featuring geometric patterns, intricate medallions, and vibrant color combinations. The uniqueness of these designs, often specific to certain tribes or regions, makes each rug a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
  • Rich Cultural and Symbolic Significance: Many Caucasian rugs incorporate symbolic motifs that hold cultural, religious, or tribal significance. The incorporation of these symbols adds layers of meaning to the rugs, contributing to their cultural richness and making them appealing to collectors interested in the stories behind the designs.
  • Historical and Antique Value: Antique Caucasian rugs, especially those dating back several decades or centuries, are highly sought after by collectors. The historical value of these rugs, combined with the craftsmanship of earlier eras, contributes to their rarity and increased desirability among collectors.
  • Quality Craftsmanship: Traditional Caucasian rugs are handwoven with great skill and attention to detail. The craftsmanship involved in creating these rugs adds to their artistic and cultural value. Collectors often appreciate the intricate weaving techniques, such as the use of the symmetric knot, which requires a high level of skill.
  • Natural Dyes and Materials: Many Caucasian rugs are crafted using natural dyes derived from plants and insects, contributing to the rugs’ unique and rich color palette. The use of high-quality wool sourced locally in the Caucasus region enhances the rugs’ durability and texture, further adding to their collectible appeal.
  • Cultural Heritage and Authenticity: The rugs from the Caucasus region carry a deep cultural heritage, reflecting the traditions, stories, and artistry of the people who create them. Collectors often value the authenticity and connection to cultural history that Caucasian rugs offer.
  • Global Recognition and Influence: Caucasian rugs have gained global recognition for their artistic merit and have influenced rug weaving traditions in various parts of the world. Their unique designs and bold aesthetic have left a lasting impact on the broader world of textile art and interior design.
  • Limited Availability: While Caucasian rugs were historically produced for local use, the limited production, especially of antique and vintage pieces, contributes to their scarcity. The combination of limited availability and high demand among collectors often increases the rugs’ collectability.
  • Market Demand: The market demand for Caucasian rugs, driven by collectors, interior designers, and enthusiasts, has contributed to their collectible status. The appreciation for these rugs has created a competitive market, particularly for well-preserved antique specimens.

Collectors often seek Caucasian rugs for their individuality, historical value, and cultural significance, making them prized additions to rug collections worldwide. The diverse range of styles within the category allows collectors to build a comprehensive and varied collection, further contributing to the allure of Caucasian rugs in the collecting world.

Learn About Collecting Antique Caucasian Rugs

The rugs that were produced in the Caucasus during the great expansion of village weaving promoted by the Russian authorities in the second half of the nineteenth century have, until recently, become one of the most desirable genres for rug collecting. Indeed various types of Kazak rugs, Karabagh, Shirvan, and Kuba rugs still occupy a place of importance in the rug-collecting world, but their attractiveness has fallen off to some degree in the last decade.

This is not due to changes in taste, availability, or other types of marketplace trend. There is surely no shortage of such rugs in the galleries of dealers or auction houses. And that is in fact a key to the problem. It is possible to encounter wonderful examples of Sevan or Karachop Kazak, Chelaberd Karabaghs (the so-called Eagle) or Sunburst Kazaks, Konakgend Kubas, and the like in superior condition if one is willing to pay the hefty price that such rugs have come to command in fine condition. But such condition itself has now become a cause for serious concern or suspicion.

The reason for this has to do with reprehensible practices that have been reported across the rug producing regions of the Middle East over the last decade or so. Antique rugs in fine condition are rarely pristine. However well they have been cared for, there is bound to be some sort of damage from moths, burns, or irremovable stains, all of which require areas of the pile to be re-woven.

That has always been and remains acceptable to collectors. Such repairs can be done to a very high standard, especially by weavers in the Middle Eastern areas where the rugs were originally produced.

Sometimes this is done using wool from the fragmentary remains of kilims or tapestries which can be unraveled to yield great lengths of antique yarn with the spin and color of the same quality and texture as the wool in antique rugs that are in need of repairs. All this is well and good, but it has within it the potential for abuse.

Some types of antique rug have for one reason or another become more desirable than others. It is easy to come across worn antique Caucasian rugs of various types that are simply not worth repairing. But it is worthwhile to save their foundations, to pull the remaining knots out of them and repair any holes or slits.

For it is then possible to take antique yarn, unraveled from damaged or fragmentary Kilims that no longer have much market value, and to re-knot or reweave it into antique foundations to produce designs of the most desirable and valuable type. The resultant rugs are made entirely from antique materials. They have the wool quality and color of antiques, the texture or feel of antiques, and, if the weaver is skilled, the drawing or design quality of antiques, that will fool even expert dealers and collectors.

They will even pass the test of scientific analysis like carbon-14 dating, since the wool is entirely antique. Such analysis will only disclose fraud if the Kilim yarns are appreciably older than the foundation or vice versa, and if multiple portions of the rug are tested. The rug would then appear to have different ages in different areas, which would indicate that something were amiss.

But such rugs are not antique. Their manufacture is modern, and they are, therefore, worth far less than genuine pieces made long ago. The representation of such rugs as antiques is fraudulent, unless the dealer or seller is unaware that the rug is a modern pastiche of old materials, and, unfortunately this does happen.

The writer was once admiring an antique Kazak hanging on the wall of a New York rug gallery. A Turkish dealer/ rug restorer who was visiting the gallery approached me quietly and asked me to estimate the age of the piece. I ventured to place it sometime around 1880. He laughed and said that it was not anywhere near that old, but that it was newly made in Turkey. When I questioned his opinion, he told me not to argue with him because his workshop had produced the rug. When I pointed out that the rug had damaged areas that had been re-woven, he said, “we do that to make it look more convincing.”

When I pointed out that the brown pile was all corroded or at least lower than the rest of the pile, as it should be on an antique, he said, “we trimmed all the brown lower.” When I protested that the back of the rug was polished and smooth like an antique, he responded that they had burned off the fuzzy fibers of the back surface with a propane torch. And when I insisted that the wool and dyes were old, he conceded with a smirk that they were indeed, but that it made no difference. And he was right. It was still a new rug. Or for lack of a better term, it was a “magic carpet.”

This is the risk that collectors and dealers alike are now up against, and it has had a chilling effect. One must really think twice before buying an antique rug that belongs to an established, sought-after type. If it looks to good to be true, perhaps it is, perhaps it is not a genuine antique, but a magic carpet.

When I now see a Sevan or Karachopf Kazak with voluptuous, long, shaggy pile for sale, I am immediately suspicious, and my suspicion does not abate until I see documented evidence of the rug’s existence going back at least twenty years. And such documentation is often not available.

There is no doubt that genuine antique pieces may get passed over as a result of this climate of informed caution or suspicion. But at today’s prices, who wants to take a magic carpet ride?

History of Tribal Rugs from the Caucasus

The mountainous region of the Caucasus has been an attested center of rug production since at least the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Caucasian rugs of this period are among the great masterpieces of classical or early rug production.

In the nineteenth century the Caucasus became a major area of village carpet production for export under official Russian control.

Chief centers of production were Kuba, Dagestan, Shirvan, Talish and Baku in the East, and Gendje, Kazak, and Karabagh in the southwest Caucasus. While Caucasian rugs tend to feature floral designes, their style or rendering is usually highly abstract or geometric, with considerable emphasis on rich and varied color.

Collecting Antique Caucasian Rugs and Carpets

The rugs that were produced in the Caucasus during the great expansion of village weaving promoted by the Russian authorities in the second half of the nineteenth century have, until recently, become one of the most desirable genres for rug collecting.

Indeed various types of antique Caucasian rugs such as: Kazak rugs, Karabagh, Shirvan, and Kuba rugs still occupy a place of importance in the rug-collecting world, but their attractiveness has fallen off to some degree in the last decade. This is not due to changes in taste, availability, or other types of marketplace trend.

There is surely no shortage of such rugs in the galleries of dealers or auction houses. And that is in fact a key to the problem. It is possible to encounter wonderful examples of Sevan or Karchopf Kazaks, Chelaberd Karabaghs (the so-called Eagle) or Sunburst Kazaks, Konakgend Kubas, and the like in superior condition if one is willing to pay the hefty price that such rugs have come to command in fine condition.

But such condition itself has now become cause for serious concern or suspicion. The reason for this has to do with reprehensible practices that have been reported across the rug producing regions of the Middle East over the last decade or so. Antique Carpets in fine condition are rarely pristine. However well they have been cared for, there is bound to be some sort of damage from moths, burns, or irremovable stains, all of which require areas of the pile to be rewoven. That has always been and remains acceptable to collectors.

Such repairs can been done to a very high standard, especially by weavers in the Middle Eastern areas where the rugs were originally produced. Sometimes this is done using wool from the fragmentary remains of kilims or tapestries which can be unraveled to yield great lengths of antique yarn with the spin and color of the same quality and texture as the wool in antique rugs that are in need of repairs. All this is well and good, but it has within it the potential for abuse.

Some types of antique rugs have for one reason or another become more desirable than others. It is easy to come across worn antique Caucasian rugs of various types that are simply not worth repairing. But it is worthwhile to save their foundations, to pull the remaining knots out of them and repair any holes or slits.

For it is then possible to take antique yarn, unraveled from damaged or fragmentary kilims that no longer have much market value, and to re-knot or reweave it into antique foundations to produce designs of the most desirable and valuable type.

The resultant rugs are made entirely from antique materials. They have the wool quality and color of antiques, the texture or feel of antiques, and, if the weaver is skilled, the drawing or design quality of antiques, that will fool even expert dealers and collectors. They will even pass the test of scientific analysis like carbon-14 dating, since the wool is entirely antique.

Such analysis will only disclose fraud if the kilim yarns are appreciably older than the foundation or vice-versa, and if multiple portions of the rug are tested. The rug would then appear to have different ages in different areas, which would indicate that something were amiss.

But such rugs are not antique. Their manufacture is modern, and they are therefore worth far less than genuine pieces made long ago. The representation of such rugs as antiques is fraudulent, unless the dealer or seller is unaware that the rug is a modern pastiche of old materials, and,unfortunately this does happen.

The writer was once admiring an antique Kazak hanging of the wall of a New York rug gallery. A Turkish dealer/rug restorer who was visiting the gallery approached me quietly and asked me to estimate the age of the piece. I ventured to place it sometime around 1880.

He laughed and said that it was not anywhere near that old, but that it was newly made in Turkey. When I questioned his opinion, he told me not to argue with him because his workshop had produced the rug. When I pointed out that the rug had damaged areas that had been rewoven, he said, “we do that to make it look more convincing.”

When I pointed out that the brown pile was all corroded or at least lower than the rest of the pile, as it should be on an antique, he said, “we trimmed all the brown lower.” When I protested that the back of the rug was polished and smooth like an antique, he responded that they had burned off the fuzzy fibers of the back surface with a propane torch.

And when I insisted that the wool and dyes were old, he conceded with a smirk that they were indeed, but that it made no difference. And he was right. It was still a new rug. Or for lack of a better term, it was a “magic carpet.” This is the risk that collectors and dealers alike are now up against, and it has had a chilling effect.

One must really think twice before buying an antique rug that belongs to an established, sought-after type. If it looks to good to be true, perhaps it is, perhaps it is not a genuine antique, but a magic carpet.

Navy Blue Antique Tribal Caucasian Kazak Rug Nazmiyal

Navy Blue Antique Tribal Caucasian Kazak Rug

When I now see a Sevan or Karachopf Kazak with voluptuous,long, shaggy pile for sale, I am immediately suspicious, and my suspicion does not abate until I see documented evidence of the rug”s existence going back at least twenty years. And such documentation is often not available.

There is no doubt that genuine antique pieces may get passed over as a result of this climate of informed caution or suspicion. But at today’s prices, who wants to take a magic carpet ride? Flower patterns do not play an essential role in Caucasian rugs.

Usually the design patterns in Caucasians are geometric, often without symmetry. If flowers designs are present, they will generally found in the border, or used to complement a geometric pattern. They will not be a dominant factor as they are in many Persian, or Indian rugs.

Discover the Beauty of Nomadic and Tribal Caucasian Rugs Pre 1920

Caucasian rugs pre-1920 are rare but greatly desired because of their simplicity in design. This was before the area came under Russia, and its rug weaving craft was truer to its culture. Because these areas were influenced by nomadic tribes, it is harder to determine the exact origin by design. The structure and materials use are a more reliable tool in identification. Generally the warp and weft from natural wool, and a Turkish knot is used.

Carpets using a thicker wool usually came from the more rural mountainous areal, while we can look toward Shirvan, or Kuba for a finer wool. In area populated by both Christians and Muslims, it is easy to distinguish the weaver by religion. Muslims, as it is forbidden by the Koran would have no animals depicted in their carpets; they leaned more toward producing prayer rugs.

The Christian weaver did not have these restrictions. Generally Caucasian rugs are geometric in design. However the closer we move toward the Persian border, the more likely the shapes are to be rounded. Though many fine Caucasians have been produced after 1920, if you are really attracted to the Caucasian Antique rug, look for the earlier ones.

Learning About The Beautiful Antique Caucasian Konaghend Carpets

The antique Caucasian Konaghend carpets represent one of the more interesting and sophisticated types of carpets from the Caucasian village rug production of the nineteenth century. Always well woven in a tight technique with first rate drawings, antique tribal Caucasian Konaghends carpets tend to have “Kufic” borders and a field design of allover arabesque tendrils transformed into a highly geometric repeating network.

The tendrils generally form or approximate small medallions that recur across the field in superimposed horizontal rows. No. 2738 from Nazmiyal, shows an excellent example of this type of antique Caucasian rug. The main border follows a long tradition that adapted the stylized geometric Kufic script of the early Islamic period to carpet designs.

At first glance, another Konaghend from Nazmiyal, simply appears to be a more stylized or simplified version of the standard design of this type. Here the oblong shield-like medallions in the field seem to take precedence as an allover tessellated design, while the tendrils have been reduced to small curling bits in the intervening spaces.

But a closer look at this antique rug reveals that this example reflects the impact of another design tradition.

It goes back to the allover tessellated medallion designs of Timurid carpets from the fourteenth to fifteenth centuries, which have rarely been preserved, in the original; they are known mostly from representations in Islamic manuscript painting.

This unique and outstanding carpet clearly reflects such Timurid precedent, although it is unclear how and when such tradition reached the Caucasus. It provides a rare glimpse into the factors or influences behind Caucasian village rug design, whose history before the nineteenth century is very obscure.

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