Tribal and Collectible Antique Caucasian Kuba Rugs
Antique Kuba Rugs, also known as Quba, is a historic Khanate or administrative district populated by the Lezghi people and Azeri Turks. Located in present-day Azerbaijan, the city of Kuba produced some of the most distinctive and finely executed Caucasian rugs.
They are beautifully and richly colored, and they combine cryptic Caucasian symbols with exceptionally decorative motifs. Regional sub-types, such as Konagkend rugs, are often lumped together with the diverse Kuba group.
Antique Kuba rugs include famous chi-chi prayer rugs, large-scale blossom patterns and richly colored rugs decorated with a series of radiant medallions. Lezghi stars and Chelaberd medallions with appendages that resemble eagle’s wings or sunbursts are also produced. Some of the most splendid allover patterns feature exquisite latticework motifs that are filled with floral sprigs.
A Picture Of A Tribal Antique Caucasian Kuba Rug
Although antique Kuba rugs are exceptionally diverse, they are united by their colors and superb craftsmanship. This versatility and level of quality makes it easy to dress them up or tone them down to match the ambiance of sleek modern interiors or traditional decor. Antique Kuba rugs are colorful, symbol-filled works of art that are sure to delight seasoned collectors and those who are new to the world of Caucasian rugs and carpets.
Kuba rugs Noted for their precise drawing and detailed design, antique Kuba rugs are probably the finest and most tightly woven antique rugs from the Caucasus. Closely related to Shirvans and Dagestans, they are distinguished by a dense, ribbed structure and higher knot count. While medallion compositions do appear on Kubas, they are best known for their meticulous allover patterns of small, carefully worked motifs. Some of the more well known and sought-after Kuba types are the so called “Chi-Chi” and Konaghend patterns, or the Alpan and Zeykhur designs. If Kazaks are the most powerful of Caucasian Rugs, Kubas a surely the the most elegant.
History of Tribal Kuba Rugs from the Caucasus
Kuba Rugs – The area between Shirvan and Daghestan in the eastern Caucasus is Kuba. This area, with its surrounding villages, is the most prolific and justly celebrated source of Caucasus weaving.
These days, tourists come to Kuba to see hundreds of apple orchards, which in the spring, fills the air with the scent of apple blossoms. The variety and richness of design and color is so varied and extraordinary that no generalized statement can be made about Kuba weaving.
The area between Shirvan and Daghestan in the eastern Caucasus is Kuba. This area, with its surrounding villages, is the most prolific and justly celebrated source of Caucasus weaving.
These days, tourists come to Kuba to see hundreds of apple orchards, which in the spring, fills the air with the scent of apple blossoms. The variety and richness of design and color is so varied and extraordinary that no generalized statement can be made about Kuba weaving.
Kuba was a Khanate of Persia (a Khanate is equivalent to a state or region in the old Persian system). Historians date the transfer of Kuba to the Czarist Russians to 1806. How old then is the city of Kuba? Several different sources state that Kuba did not exist until circa 1750.
The United States Embassy, on the other hand, confirms the existence of a majestic 16th-century fortress that dominates the city of Kuba. Nevertheless, this area has been settled for centuries; in nearby Khanalyg, there is a 9th century A.D. Zoroastrian temple.
Many of the dragon rugs and floral designs possibly originated from the Kuba region, which probably have the longest weaving history in the Caucasus. Both of these designs have been attributed by some scholars to a Persian inspiration, while others have suggested a closer link with early Seljuk weaving.
The majority of Kuba rugs of the 19th century display crowded floral motifs, either free standing, combined with large geometric motifs, or retained within an allover lattice.
Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.
It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.
Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!
NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!
I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!
