Second half 19th century, 349 x 156 cm, South East Caucasus, Azerbaijan

This colourful slit tapestry was woven in the region between Baku and Lenkoran. The population group which produced it can no longer be established with certainty. The group is usually described as “Talish”. The tile-like repeat consists of nested serrated diamonds in an offset arrangement. They immediately adjoin one another, hermetically covering the surface. The interplay of colours created by the geometric forms, drawn with great precision and in minute detail, results in a remarkably complex overall picture that can be read in a number of ways. Seeing that such kilims were woven without a cartoon, the artistic merit of this item is nothing less than admirable. Purchased by the consignor at Galerie Neiriz, Berlin. – Very good condition, original finishes all around.

HERRMANN, EBERHART, Asiatische Teppich- und Textilkunst 4. Munich 1992, no. 52 *** WRIGHT, RICHARD & WERTIME, JOHN, Caucasian Carpets & Covers. London 1995, pl. XIII, p. 88 *** PLÖTZE, KARL-MICHAEL, Welt der Kelims. Barsinghausen 2001, no. 34 *** VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Caucasus-Persia. Gilim und andere Flachgewebe. Munich 1996, no. 7

SADIGHI NEIRIZ, HAMID & HAWKES, KARIN, Kelims und andere Flachgewebe aus der Sammlung Neiriz. Calbe 2014, no. 30