Caucasian Rugs: Guide to Fachralo Kazak Rugs

Fakhraly is due west of Kazak just over the Armenian border. There is some question as to whether Fachralo rugs belong in the Kazak group or the Gendge group. This is confused further by two towns named Fachraly. One west of Kazak and one east of Gendge. It is a guess but based on comparative analysis of the rugs themselves I am leaving Fachralo in the Kazak group.

Map of the Fachralo Area

A few related examples:

The James C. Allen Fachralo Kazak Prayer Rug

Fachralo Kazak "Prayer" Rug,

Typical Fachralo Structure

Structure: Symmetrical. 40 to 65 kpsi. Not depressed. Most examples seem to fall between 49 and 55 KPSI.

Yarn Spin: Z.

Warp: most have 3 ply wool some 2, natural colored.

Weft: 2 – 6 shots of 2 ply wool. 2 and 4 shots seem most common. Usually red or pink..

Pile: 2 Wool singles.

Ends: Upper - often has plainweave with warp fringe. Lower - loops or half-hitch end finish.

Selvages: 2 – 4 warp units reinforced often using rose or red wool or pile colors. Outer warp units are frequently attached interlaced warp units.

Notes:

Hubel pg. 120 counts Fachralo rugs as Gendge.

Seen at http://www.skinnerinc.com/

Sale 2136 Lot 2

Fachralo Kazak Rug, Southwest Caucasus, last quarter 19th century, three octagonal medallions each inset with a hooked diamond in red, ivory, gold, and blue-green on the royal blue field, ivory serrated triangle border, (rewoven ends and other small areas), 4 ft. 5 in. by 3 ft. 8 in.
Estimate $2,500-3,500