Soumak carpet (241)

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

Age: circa 1890

Size: 8′.11"X7′.0" (272×213 cm)

This classic flatwoven Soumak carpet displays three reticulated dark blue lozengoid medallions in dark blue with rose octagonal centers surrounded by rosettes,tiny birds,arrows,crosses and other strongly stylized elements.On each side of the field are yellow octagons and dark brown rocket ship like motifs.In addition,there are knots,rosettes,small medallions,animals and other interesting devices.Along the edges of the field are multicolor hooked or geometric leaves.The dark brown main border hosts the characteristic zig-zag pattern enclosing highly stylized cloudbands.The flanking blue minor borders employ connected stars in rose and the outermost stripe features a red and dark brown wave or running dog pattern.There are four barber pole lines in the border system.At each end is a full knotted warp net.All the colors are from natural sources.The piece is tightly woven and is in good condition.