Early 19th century, 221 x 161 cm, South West Caucasus

The blazing red field is dominated by two very large, white-ground Fachralo star medallions with outlines decorated in green hooks. Four green and two smaller blue squares, several rosettes and small ornamental motifs complete the spaciously conceived field design. Flanked by two reciprocal trefoil borders, the main border contains pairs of brackets in diverse colours lined up on a thin pole. More finely woven than later Fachralo Kazaks using white wefts, this impressive example probably dates from the early 19th century. – Obvious signs of age and wear, the pile has worn away in places, one long horizontal tear at the right-hand side. The original selvedges are partially preserved, both ends somewhat reduced.

TSCHEBULL, RAOUL, Kazak. Carpets of the Caucasus. New York 1971, pl. 28