Shirvan Rug

This is a very colourful, dramatic and unusual design rug from the late 19th century, Shirvan region, Caucasus area. Shirvan is one of the principal weaving areas of the Caucasus, stretching from the central east coast some three or four hundred kilometres inland. Located within it are several towns that, according to Kerimov and Schürmann, have become associated with particular designs; these include Bidjov, Marasali, Khila, Surahani, Baku, and Saliani. Many authors also include Chajli and Akstafa rugs, although we have included the former with Gendje pieces and the latter have been treated as a separate sub-group. There are, of course, many rugs which, both structurally and stylistically, can be assigned with some degree of confidence to Shirvan but not to any particular place within it (although many authors and dealers would maintain that it is possible to differentiate, again on structural evidence, between rugs from the north and south of the region). In this rug, the series of rosettes, leaves and palmettes are arranged in horizontal rows, each with delicately drawn flowers framed with a series of borders. Whichever weaving centre produced this rug, it has a rare design of great charm and exceptional colour. The design of the rug is interpreted by our designers, and the most appropriate colours to match the original are used for this rug.