About the Antique Rugs of the Future Project

Sheep Breeds of Azerbaijan

Shearing,
Sorting, Washing, Carding, Spinning

"The advantages of handspun yarn to machine spun yarn"

Rediscovery of Ancient Natural Dyes
Our Natural Dyestuffs

Mordants

Difference between synthetically and naturally dyed rugs

Weaving and Finishing Steps

Galleries of ARFP Caucasian Azerbaijani Rugs
 

 

 

"Ancient Genje" rug / Qədim Gəncə xalçası

CODE:  GJAG07

Size (metric): 99x144cm
Size (ft): 3'3"x4'8"
Area: 1.42 m2
Density: 170 000 knots per square meter, totally ~250 000 knots
Weaving period: 2 and half months

Colors: madder red, medium Persian blue, navy blue, dark gold yellow, maroon, variegated sage green, dark forest green, natural ivory, natural brown.
Dyes: 100% natural dyes: madder, weld (Reseda Luteola), indigo, dyer's woad, pomegranate skins, walnut husks, natural brown sheep wool, natural ivory sheep wool
- all are eco-friendly and non-toxic
Materials: Handcarded and handspun wool for pile, ivory wool warps and ivory wool wefts (two shots)

Weavers' name: Safiya & Cemala
Handwoven in Azerbaijan, dated 1436 (2015)

Design:
This joyfully spirited art rug is a striking example with a vivid palette of deeply saturated natural dyes and its dynamic adaptation of the classic Gendje diagonal stripe
composition. The field with multicoloured diagonal stripes, containing angular floral sprays and boteh motifs, in broad madder red main border of polychrome botehs between small flower head stripes, outer dotted and barber-pole stripes.

Buta/Boteh has been used in Iran, Central Asia and Caucasus since the Sassanid Dynasty (AD 224 to AD 651). Some design scholars believe the Boteh is the convergence of a stylized floral spray and a cypress tree: a Zoroastrian symbol of life and eternity. A floral motif called Buteh, which originated in the Sassanid Dynasty (200–650 AD) of Iran and later in the Safavid Dynasty (from 1501 to 1736), was a major textile pattern in Iran and Caucasus during the Qajar Dynasty.

In these periods, the pattern was used to decorate royal regalia, crowns, and court garments, as well as textiles used by the general population. According to Azerbaijani historians, the design comes from ancient times of Zoroastrianism and is an expression of the essence of that religion. It subsequently became a decorative element widely used in Azerbaijani culture and architecture.

The pattern is still popular in Iran and South and Central Asian countries. It is woven using gold or silver threads on silk or other high quality textiles for gifts, for weddings and special occasions.

The usage of the pattern goes beyond clothing – paintings, jewelry, frescoes, curtains, tablecloths, quilts, carpets, garden landscaping, and pottery also sport the buta design in Azerbaijan, Iran and Central Asia.

Buta/Boteh is also one of the most important ornamental motifs of Mughal Indian art, consisting of a floral spray with stylized leaves and flowers. It is used in architecture and painting and in textiles, enamels, and almost all other decorative arts. The motif began to gain importance in the reign of the Mughal emperor Jahangir (1605–27).

Boteh/buta motif may have different meanings in the different cultures: Zoroastrian flame, shrub, Scythian decorative motif, a bird, flower, cypress tree etc. 

 

Contact us for more information about this rug




Contact us for more information about this rug

 

For more information about the above rug or to place an order please email vd@azerbaijanrugs.com (Baku, Azerbaijan) or ra@azerbaijanrugs.com  (San Francisco Bay Area). We will get back to you within 24 hours or less.