Late 19th century, 255 x 174 cm, South Caucasus, Karabagh region

This large cover is woven in a particular technique described as "balanced plain weave" by Wertime; it leaves the polychrome warps visible, influencing the appearance of the colours. The ground colours of the vertical stripes are produced by yellow, red, blue, green and brown blocks of warps of different widths. Wefts of a different colour have been used to produce a geometric and often two-tone design of horizontal points, comb shapes and chevrons, appearing either in faint half tones or stronger full tones. Accentuated by its width, the central band constitutes the symmetrical axis of the mirror-image composition of two halves exactly identical in design. Narrow horizontal stripes separated by subtle brocaded seams create a sense of calm in the design. - Original finishes, including the braided warps at both ends. Good condition.

WRIGHT, RICHARD & WERTIME, JOHN, Caucasian Carpets & Covers. The Weaving Culture. London 1995, pl. XIX *** KIRDÖK, MUAMMER, Antike Teppiche, Kelims, Textilien. Katalog Frühjahr '95. Vienna 1995, K 1936, p. 76 *** VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Caucasus-Per