News & Information

Written by Joan Guryan
Friday, 27 October 2006

Consider the fact that many Caucasian weavings prior to 1800 were discarded by their Nomadic owners, once they wore out. It was not until these pieces were discovered by traveling dealers, that they were recognized for their folk art beauty.

Museums and some collectors do not believe in repair, or restoration. The most they will consider is the prevention of further deterioration. They feel that even the state that they are in most represents their authenticity in design and weave.

However, if we choose to do more than admire these works of beauty, if we choose to use them as they were intended, than some repair, or restoration is necessary. Then, it is important to find the right craftsman, and obtain good advice on how far to go.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Written by Joan Guryan
Tuesday, 17 October 2006
Antique Caucasian carpets, pre 1920, are rare but greatly desired because of their simplicity in design. This was before the area came under Russia, and it’s rug weaving craft was truer to its culture.

Because these areas were influenced by nomadic tribes, it is harder to determine the exact origin by design. The structure and materials use are a more reliable tool in identification. Generally the warp and weft from natural wool, and a Turkish knot is used.
Carpets using a thicker wool usually came from the more rural mountainous areal, while we can look toward Shirvan, or Kuba for a finer wool. In area populated by both Christians and Muslims, it is easy to distinguish the weaver by religion. Muslims, as it is forbidden by the Koran would have no animals depicted in their carpets; they leaned more toward producing prayer rugs. the Christian weaver did not have these restrictions.

Generally Caucasian rugs are geometric in design. However the closer we move toward the Persian border, the more likely the shapes are to be rounded.

Though many fine Caucasians have been produced after 1920, if you are really attracted to the Caucasian Antique rug, look for the earlier ones.

Popularity: 7% [?]

The area between Shirvan and Daghestan in the eastern Caucasus is Kuba. This area, with its surrounding villages, is the most prolific and justly celebrated source of Caucasus weaving. These days, tourists come to Kuba to see hundreds of apple orchards, which in the spring, fills the air with the scent of apple blossoms. The variety and richness of design and color is so varied and extraordinary that no generalized statement can be made about Kuba weaving.

The area between Shirvan and Daghestan in the eastern Caucasus is Kuba. This area, with its surrounding villages, is the most prolific and justly celebrated source of Caucasus weaving. These days, tourists come to Kuba to see hundreds of apple orchards, which in the spring, fills the air with the scent of apple blossoms. The variety and richness of design and color is so varied and extraordinary that no generalized statement can be made about Kuba weaving.

Kuba was a Khanate of Persia (a Khanate is equivalent to a state or region in the old Persian system). Historians date the transfer of Kuba to the Czarist Russians to 1806. How old then is the city of Kuba? Several different sources state that Kuba did not exist until circa 1750. The United States Embassy, on the other hand, confirms the existence of a majestic 16th-century fortress that dominates the city of Kuba. Nevertheless, this area has been settled for centuries; in nearby Khanalyg, there is a 9th century A.D. Zoroastrian temple.

Many of the dragon rugs and floral designs possibly originated from the Kuba region, which probably have the longest weaving history in the Caucacus. Both of these designs have been attributed by some scholars to a Persian inspiration, while others have suggested a closer link with early Seljuk weaving. The majority of Kuba rugs of the 19th century display crowded floral motifs, either free standing, combined with large geometric motifs, or retained within an allover lattice.

Popularity: 8% [?]