Stock Number: 0009823
Origin: Caucasian, Azerbaijan
Town: Zeiwa, Kuba
Age: Early 20th Century
Style: Tribal Medallion
Size: 4′ x 11′ 4″
Material: Wool pile and wool foundation, vegetable dyed
Color Scheme: Green, Red, Yellow, Turquoise, Navy
Condition: Excellent
Expert Description
This exceptional early 20th-century Caucasian rug originates from Zeiwa, a notable weaving center in the Kuba district of northern Azerbaijan. Renowned for its finely knotted tribal carpets, the Kuba region has a centuries-old tradition of rug production, characterized by meticulous craftsmanship, high-quality local wool, and vibrant natural dyes. Zeiwa weavers, in particular, are esteemed for their skillful execution of complex medallion layouts and crisp geometric motifs, both of which are showcased in this piece.
Design & Motifs
A striking series of tribal medallions spans the length of the field, each rendered in a harmonious palette of green, red, yellow, turquoise, and navy. The medallions are interspersed with stylized floral and tribal elements—iconic symbols often linked to themes of protection, fertility, and community identity in Caucasian weaving traditions. The interplay of bold color blocks against a dark ground (likely navy) heightens the contrast, underscoring the precision of the rug’s design. Subtle details in the negative spaces reflect the weavers’ deep familiarity with age-old symbolic language, a hallmark of Kuba artistry.
Materials & Technique
This rug features a wool pile on a wool foundation, an arrangement that speaks to the pastoral heritage of the Caucasus, where local sheep provide lustrous, resilient fibers. The symmetrical (Turkish) knot is commonly employed in the Kuba area, lending these rugs both durability and clarity in design. Vegetable dyes—extracted from regional sources like madder root, walnut husks, and indigo—impart a lasting brilliance to the color scheme, with natural variations (abrash) that enrich the rug’s overall visual depth.
Cultural & Historical Context
The Kuba region, situated near the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, has long been a crossroads of cultural and economic exchange. Weavers in Zeiwa typically worked within family workshops, passing down their technical knowledge and artistic vocabulary from generation to generation. These rugs were integral to daily life, serving both practical functions and embodying cultural narratives in every motif. By the early 20th century, demand for Caucasian carpets had grown internationally, yet the Zeiwa weavers continued to uphold local traditions, preserving the distinctive tribal medallion style that sets this rug apart.
Artistic Significance
In excellent condition despite its age, this rug offers an illuminating glimpse into the apex of Caucasian rug weaving. Its crisp lines, saturated dyes, and well-balanced medallion layout represent the best of Zeiwa’s textile heritage. Collectors and connoisseurs value such pieces for their blend of technical mastery and rich cultural resonance—qualities that elevate the rug beyond mere decoration to an artifact of enduring artistic and historical importance.
This Zeiwa Kuba rug stands as a compelling testament to the region’s renowned craftsmanship, blending vibrant color, intricate geometry, and symbolic motifs into a cohesive and visually captivating work of textile art. Its condition, design, and provenance make it a rare and highly desirable piece for both collectors and those seeking to incorporate an authentic touch of Caucasian heritage into their interiors.
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