Shirvan rug (481)

Shirvan prayer rug from eastern Caucasus west coast of the Caspian Sea

Age: circa 1875

Size: 4′.9"x3′.6" (145×107 cm)

The characteristic ivory field of this finely woven east Caucasian niche rug shows a well drawn lattice enclosing a variety of colorful stylized flowers.The pattern continues,in a reduced form,into the spandrels which also feature a putative date and additional small diamonds.The niche arch is faceted,has a serrated outer edge and a small lozenge pattern is set on a navy ground.The main border abrashes from blue to navy while displaying a polychrome barred S pattern.Both minor borders have yellow grounds:the outer hosts an angular meander and small rosettes while the inner connects stylized medallions with a double line.In addition there is a red and navy keyhole reciprocal edging the field and there are four bitonal barber pole lines present.The rug is extremely fine and pliable.All the colors are from natural sources.The piece is in good condition.