Soumak carpet (273)

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

Age: circa 1820

Size: 8′.1″x6′.2″ (246×188 cm)

This unusual Soumak carpet features a soft madder red ground with three distinct medallions:the large center device is octagonal,with dark blue ground and a central hooked focus.It is survived by a herringbone conforming wreath.Another medallion also employs an octagonal format in green with an ivory surround and a blue center.The third medallion has a cloudband shape ivory frame and displays four stylized palmettes.The herringbone wreath pattern is partial at one end is also attached and surrounds the other octagonal medallion.There are side hooked triangular fillers.The dark brown main border hosts stepped and square/hooked floating medallions,with pairs of stepped V shape elements.There are two ivory minor borders with connected stars and there is a classic bitonal wave pattern outermost border.All the colors are from natural sources..The handle is soft and pliable.The piece is in good condition except for the naturally corroded dark brown and some wear.An early and exceptional collectable piece.