Antique Caucasian Shirvan "Akstafa" Bird rug, Southern Shirvan Region, Salyan (Saliani) District, Azerbaijan. Late 19th century. Murray L Eiland Jr. & Murray Eiland III's "Oriental Rugs A Complete Guide" plate no: 278

SHIRVAN RUG
nineteenth century
4'1" x 10'4" (124 x 315 cm)

Rugs from the south Shirvan area are often given the label "Akstafa," particularly when they have large, stylized bird figures. Clearly this is a south Shirvan type of rug, and it probably has nothing to do with the town of Akstafa in the westernmost part of Azerbaijan.