Supreme Kazak Rug: 257cm x 187cm

Origin: Kabul
Style: Kazak (Supreme quality)
Provenance: N/A
Dated: Mid to Late 20th C
Hand Knotted 100% Wool Pile
Length: 257cms / 8.4 feet
Width: 187cms / 6.1 feet

Having eight guls in the central field, the Kazak has a lovely patina to the surface, and the dye is somewhat attractively less concentrated than in other Kazak pieces. This design is a Shah Abbas pattern, which essentially means the medallions drawn on the piece are palmettes. These are surrounded by Mir-i-bota, here, a laurel like leaf design which is a variation from the standard pine or leaf pattern. A beautiful piece, and one which shows off not just the technical drawing ability of its maker but the eye for variation in dye and colour also.

The Caucasus, a harsh mountainous area which separates Europe from Asia, has been weaving rugs since the 16th Century, reaching its historical peak in the 19th Century.

Kazaks often display two or three geometrical medallions, (this piece has eight), sometimes with characteristic S-shaped patterns. The foundation is usually wool, and the fairly deep pile is always wool, with the Ghiordes knot. The principal colour is red, though bold, warm shades of green and yellow are used as well.

Kazak rugs have always been popular in Europe, largely because of their robust quality. The Afghan reproductions follow the traditional techniques and aspects of the Antique Kazaks.

As with all hand-made rugs, each piece brings with it a spectrum of shades of colouring depending upon from which angle one views it from.