Soumak carpet (231)

Soumak carpet from Kuba district,eastern Caucasus,west coast of the Caspian Sea

Age: circa 1890

Size: 10′.6"x6′.8" (320×203 cm)

Four dark blue medallions with red and rose octagonal submedallions are displayed on a beautifully abrashed red ground with yellow secondary medallions and lateral rocket ship like motifs.There are numerous small knots,complex rosettes,leaves,color samplers,lozenges,stars,diamonds,animals and other interesting elements.The red center is edged by a light blue open keyhole reciprocal design.The dark brown main border has a zig zag motif and is flanked by ivory minor borders with colorful stylized stars.There are several barber pole lines and the whole is framed by a characteristic brown and red reciprocal wave pattern.All the colors are from natural sources.In general the piece is in good condition except for some small holes and wear.