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This is a striking example of a fairly unusual
example of a Fachralo
Kazak. The
main medallions are simpler than we normally see in published Fachralo rugs and the
compartment design is not that common either. If it turned out to be a
little further south I would not be shocked. Nonetheless I do not see a
better attribution for it and it is a wonderful rug.
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Provenance - Formerly of James
C. Allen.
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Fachralo
rugs are in the Kazak
group. One important attribution is the wefts. Gendge and Kazak rugs commonly have red
wefts but undyed wefts such as these are not unheard of. This also has
three shots of wefts which points to an attribution in the Gendge Kazak group. |
19th century Museum Fahraly
caucasian @ a-bey
Item # 927855521
Description
Here
is a 19th century MUSEUM QUALITY Fachraly Kazak measuring 4’1” X 8’ 9".
This weaving is from Fachraly and exhibits the simple native high
mountain aesthetic that has so justifiably made these among the most
desirable of Caucasian rugs to collectors all over the world. The
region of Kazak consists of the western area of the Caucasus Mountains
stretching from Erivan in the South to Tiflis in the North. The
populations were predominantly Armenian descent with a large proportion
also nomadic Kurdish herdsmen. The present offering is early, perhaps
being as old as 140 years. The dyes are vegetable and very mellowed.
There is a pale green , a mid green, several shades of blue and red.
The design is simple and direct but it fully embodies the dignified and
reserved aesthetic of the mid 19th century.
The small village of Fachraly is world renowned for its superlative
weavings and dyes. The dyes in this piece are all vivid natural dyes
that have aged and mellowed into highly attractive individualistic hues
rather than the drab ones so often seen with old synthetic dyes.
The design is typical yet again so individualized that it is almost
novel. The medallion motif is known from 16th and 17th century
Anatolian weavings and we think that these were the inspiration for
rugs like the present offering. The border of this rug is one of the
very simplest of all Caucasian rug borders and for this reason and the
perfect balance in the mass of the elements of its design this rug is
truly an outstanding collectors piece. The dyes of this weaving contain
two related colors that are truly exceptional.
There is a light lime green in the center of some medallions that is a
superlative hue. This light green is balanced with a mid value lime
color and a dark forest green. These are absolutely mid-19th century
colors and are not found in later 19th century weaving.. The blue looks
like that of the deep blue sea. The central medallion has a true
heraldic quality and projects a sense or feeling of greatness, like a
great emblazon.
The piece was made of the traditional soft pliable wool found at high
altitude. The knotting is quite fine at approximately 70-80 Ksi. The
pile is medium length and is sufficient to conceal essentially all of
the knot nodes. There are no apparent repairs. The selvages look to be
original. This piece most probably belongs in the circa 1850 to 1870
range. The wefts are undyed wool. All in all, this is another very fine
and highly collectible rug bought to you by a-bey on ebay.
For Further Reading:
Thanks and best wishes,
J. Barry O'Connell Jr.
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