Antique Kazak Caucasian
medallion rug @ a-bey Description Here is an antique high grade Kazak rug , circa 1880, measuring 4ft.3in. X 7ft 1in. Kazak rugs are distinguished by their bold designs and graphic colorful imagery. This piece typifies what many are looking for in the best Caucasian weavings available. It has a rich palate with a full pile. It is in excellent condition with original selvages and ends; I see no repair on this rug at all. The cool blue ground color provides a wonderful contrast for the three large latch-hook medallions, which appear to be free among the waters of the field on this fine weavings. The strength of the medallions combined with their separation by structural bars contributes to the impression of a light yet meaningful rug. This is in fact a very substantial and robust weaving capable of handling all kinds of situations. The Turkic influence and randomness of tertiary elements in the field is especially pleasing, dispelling the impression of any sort of workshop production which are inevitably stiffer and less interesting to the consumer. This rug simply has great wool and masterful dyes that make it a rare catch, a collectors rug. The white lambs wool in the borders looks very nice against the primary colors of the border. The proportion of the borders to the field also contributes to an aesthetically pleasing composition that is easy on the eyes. The strong optical effect of the main border serves as the perfect foil for the floating polygons of the field framed by the sea green outer border. The tertiary elements in the field too contribute to brilliance and open space that is immediately evident in the rug. There certainly was no effort to fill space just for the sake of filling it, resulting in a dramatic weaving of considerable decorative quality. This rug would make a great point from which to decorate a whole room and what a Bohemian statement that will be! For Further Reading: Thanks and best wishes, J. Barry O'Connell Jr. |
