Shirvan pictorial rug with the scenes from an old Azerbaijani folk tale "Melik Mammad"


About the Antique Rugs of the Future Project	Our Natural Dyestuffs	Educational Section
Sheep Breeds of Azerbaijan	Mordants	Search the website
Shearing, Sorting, Washing, Carding, Spinning	Difference between synthetically and naturally dyed rugs	Interior design with our rugs
The advantages of handspun yarn to machine spun yarn	Weaving and Finishing Steps	Testimonials
Rediscovery of Ancient Natural Dyes	Galleries of ARFP Caucasian Azerbaijani Rugs	Contact
Natural Dyes and Dyeing Photos	Current Inventory	Antique & Old rugs and kilims for sale

Shirvan pictorial rug with the scenes from an old Azerbaijani folk tale "Melik Mammad"

Code: SHRMM03A

Size: 154 x 182cm

Size (ft): 5'1" x 6'0"

Area: 2.8 m²

Density: 175 000 knots per square meter, totally ~500 000 knots

Colors: red, ivory, yellow, dark pine green, sky blue, purple, hazelnut, medium brown, dark brown, maroon, light aqua green, apricot, midnight blue.

Dyes: madder, weld (Reseda Luteola), cochineal, onion skins, indigo, pomegranate skins, walnut husks, natural dark brown sheep wool, natural ivory sheep wool.

Materials: Handcarded and handspun wool for pile, ivory wool warps and ivory wool wefts (two shots). 1cm of flatwoven kilim ends at both sides. - wool on wool

Knots: Gördes (Turkish, symmetrical)

Pile height: 0.5 cm

Ends: thin plaited fringes

Inscriptions: the word "Melik Memmed" with ancient Orkhon-Yenisei runic scripts, two tamgas (tribal seal) of Afshar tribe

Weaver: Leyla, Madina

Weaving Period: 4 months

Handwoven in Azerbaijan

Design: This carpet illustrates the traditional Azerbaijani folktale of 'Melik Mammad.' The central composition features the protagonist, Prince Melik Mammad, mounted on horseback, positioned beneath the seated figure of his father, the Shah. The lower register of the rug depicts a ceremonial wedding scene, wherein an *alachiq* (traditional nomadic tent) is framed by mythical avian figures. Structuring the center of the main field are two confronted roosters.

Flanking the imagery of the Shah, the right and left cartouches enclose "Divs" - monstrous, antagonistic entities deeply rooted in Azerbaijani mythology.

The overall design was conceptualized by Vugar Dadashov in 2021, drawing inspiration from historical Azerbaijani carpet weaving and textile motifs.

For more information about the above rug or to place an order please email vd@azerbaijanrugs.com
We will get back to you within 24 hours or less.