Antique Kazak

An Antique Caucasian Kazak rug, knotted by hand with hand-carded, hand-spun, vegetable-dyed wool. Circa 1890.

Kazak rugs belong to the village-weaving traditions of the western Transcaucasus, encompassing parts of present-day Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, where weavers developed a powerful geometric design language of crosses, stars, hooked forms, and other traditional devices. During the late nineteenth century, expanding Western demand transformed Caucasian village weaving into a major export industry, while traditional wool foundations, natural dyes, and strongly individual drawing remained characteristic of the finest rugs. This example belongs to the Kazak tradition of repeated geometric field motifs, framed by a boldly contrasting border that gives this historic work of woven art its distinctive character. Very good condition for its age. Low areas, excellent colors.