Dated Antique Tribal Caucasian Karabagh Rug with Animals and Folk Motifs, Country of Origin: The Caucasus, Circa Date: 1900s – Wonderfully whimsical, this antique Caucasian Karabagh rug brings together angular animals, charm-like devices, and exuberant botanical forms. Repeated inscriptions of the date 1322 add another layer of interest to its lively composition. Read according to the Islamic lunar calendar, this date corresponds to 1904–1905. Measuring 3 feet 5 inches by 7 feet 6 inches, the rug offers remarkable visual variety within its slender proportions.
A Playful World of Animals and Lucky Charms
An ivory ground provides a clear setting for coral red, deep blue, muted green, and golden ochre ornament. Large hooked forms occupy the upper and lower field, surrounding an elaborate central geometric figure. Their branching outlines suggest a shifting combination of plants, creatures, and fantastic emblems.
Small animals appear throughout the open spaces, their bodies reduced to angular lines, striped details, and upright tails or horns. Some stand alone, while others gather around the larger motifs. Differences in scale and orientation give these figures an engaging spontaneity.
Scattered devices resembling lucky charms contribute to the rug’s expressive folk character. Hooks, diamonds, small crosses, and other geometric marks fill the spaces between the principal figures. Their individual meanings cannot be established from appearance alone, but their presence invites close, repeated looking.
The date 1322 appears in several areas of the field. Its repetition makes the inscriptions an integral part of the composition, alongside the animals and decorative emblems.
Expressive Drawing and Geometric Structure
A stepped inner outline organizes the densely populated field. Around it, large floral forms and angular stems continue the lively drawing of the center. A narrow outer border of small, alternating geometric motifs provides a rhythmic finishing frame.
Within Nazmiyal’s Karabagh rugs collection, this piece stands out for its abundance of individual details. Broadly balanced arrangements coexist with small variations that keep the eye moving. Its appeal lies as much in these unexpected moments as in the overall design.
Decorating with a Whimsical Caucasian Rug
The elongated format suits a hallway, bedside, or narrow sitting area. Against wood flooring, the ivory ground would bring lightness, while the stronger accents could connect nearby furniture and artwork. Simple furnishings would keep its intricate imagery clearly visible.
For collectors of antique Caucasian rugs, the repeated dates and playful animal figures offer particular interest. This expressive selection from Nazmiyal’s antique rugs collection is full of personality and discoveries at every viewing.
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