Antique Caucasian Shirvan Rug 3’8″ x 8’2″ #9821

Serial No.: 0009821
Origin: Caucasian, Azerbaijan
Town: Shirvan
Age: Late 19th Century
Style: Tribal Geometric with Unusual “S” Border Design
Size: 3’8″ x 8’2″
Material: Wool pile and wool foundation, vegetable dyed
Color Scheme: Red, Peach, Turquoise, Navy
Condition: Excellent

Expert Description

This late 19th-century Shirvan runner embodies the robust tradition of Caucasian tribal weaving, distinguished by its unusual “S” border design—a motif often associated with protective or mythic symbolism in regional textile art. Woven in the eastern Caucasus (present-day Azerbaijan), the piece combines bold geometric medallions in the field with a continuous serpentine border, creating a visually dynamic composition emblematic of Shirvan’s renowned craftsmanship.

The “S” Border and Its Symbolism

The defining feature of this rug is its “S” border, a recurrent, sinuous pattern that frames the central field. In many Caucasian weaving traditions, these “S” forms are believed to be stylized dragons or serpentine figures, serving as guardians that repel malevolent forces. The repetition of these shapes along the perimeter underscores the community’s cultural emphasis on protective symbolism, weaving shared folklore and ancestral beliefs into a practical household object.

Weaving Techniques & Materials

• Symmetrical (Turkish) Knot: Consistent with other Caucasian rugs of this period, the rug employs the symmetrical knot, allowing for crisp outlines and well-defined geometric motifs.
• Wool Foundation & Pile: Locally sourced sheep’s wool is used for both the pile and foundation, ensuring resilience and a slight natural sheen.
• Vegetable Dyes: The palette of red, peach, turquoise, and navy stems from plant-based dyes such as madder for reds and indigo for blues. This method yields vibrant, enduring colors and can introduce subtle tonal shifts (abrash) that enrich the overall aesthetic.

Design & Layout

The field is anchored by a sequence of tribal geometric medallions, each intricately detailed and set against a dark ground that accentuates the warmth of the red and peach hues. Smaller latch-hook or rosette-like elements punctuate the design, reflecting typical Shirvan motifs. The interplay of color, shape, and negative space is finely balanced, demonstrating a weaving tradition in which both functional and symbolic considerations inform every knot.

Cultural & Artistic Context

During the 19th century, Shirvan stood as a prominent hub of rug production, where weaving was often conducted in small, family-run workshops. Techniques, designs, and cultural narratives were passed down through generations, culminating in rugs that combined utility with profound symbolic content. The “S” border in particular speaks to the region’s deep-rooted belief in the apotropaic (protective) power of mythic or zoomorphic motifs. This runner, in excellent condition despite its age, serves as a testament to the durability and artistic longevity of these communal weaving practices.

Significance for Collectors and Scholars

This rug’s unusual “S” border sets it apart from more conventional Shirvan pieces, appealing to collectors who value distinctive iconography and strong cultural references. Its well-preserved state, vibrant natural dyes, and confident geometry reflect both the technical prowess of late 19th-century Caucasian weavers and the enduring power of symbolic storytelling. As a finely crafted artifact from the Shirvan region, it offers a window into the historical interplay of myth, craftsmanship, and community identity that defines the best of Caucasian rug-making.