Antique Shirvan
rug, early 20h century, Azerbaijan
84 Arjiman
(according to Kerimov)
Shemakha district, Shirvan
296 x 142 cm Late 19th century
The midnight-blue central field shows six stepped hexagons in a vertical
row. Their design is concentric, while the inner hexagons have hooks. There
are two triangles with hooks instead of the flame motif (faruhar) at the top
and bottom. However, it is not certain whether this is a different type of
Shirvan which does not show any flame motifs at all. Large rosettes appear
in staggered rows on both sides of the medallion. Small colourful octagons
that are aligned surround the medallions like a wreath.
The main border on a light blue ground shows a bent, broken and crosswise
vine meander which is set off on both sides with lozenge-palmettes with two
bird heads each. In the centre of the vine meanders, two triangles are
connected to one another at the tip, forming a motif which the Turkmen know
as dagdan (incense jar, used as a talisman). Two stripes with a brownish-red
ground enclose the main border. They are decorated with three motifs that
are alternating; a circle, a cross and pounces.
Warp: Camel Hair, Z 3 S, light brown.
Weft: Cotton, Z 2, white, 2 wefts waved.
Pile: Wool, Z 2; Pile Height:5mm.
Knots: Symmetrical 1, H 45, V 30 = 1,350 Kn/dm2.
Handle: Meaty, almost tick, coarsely
Upper End: c, 0.7cm remainder of a wool flat-woven end, 0.5 cm cotton
simple tapestry weave, then 1-2 rows of red wool simple tapestry weave.
Lower end: c. 1 cm white cotton simple tapestry weave, after 0.7 cm
two rows of dark red wool simple tapestry weave.
Selvedge: c. 0.8 cm white cotton shirazi around 2 ribs in
figure-of-eight wrapping with supplemental threads which extend far into the
fabric.
Colours: 12; dark red, dark brownish violet, pink, yellow, light
beige, blackish-brown (oxidised), midnight-blue, blue, lihgt blue, green,
light green, ivory. Condition: Good.
Remarks: An excellent carpet with good colours, considerable abrash.
Literature: Not identified by L. Kerimov.
from
Siyawouch Azadi "Azerbaijani Caucasian rugs"
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