79344 Late 19th Century Antique Caucasian Shirvan Soumak Rug, 03'05 x 06'05.
Tribal Majesty and Heritage of the Steppes: An Antique Soumak Masterpiece
Behold the timeless artistry of the Caucasus, captured in this late 19th-century Shirvan Soumak rug, a piece that transcends utility to become a woven manuscript of cultural heritage. Each thread, meticulously wrapped in the ancient Soumak technique, forms a tapestry of geometric order and tribal identity. The repetition of octagonal guls across the field speaks of continuity and resilience, while the powerful zig-zag and trefoil borders guard the composition like sentinels of tradition. This is not merely a rug; it is a narrative of place and people, preserved in wool and dye.
The palette is a symphony of natural colors—earthy madder reds, deep indigos, lush greens, and soft ivory—each derived from age-old organic sources that remain as vibrant today as when they were first drawn from root, leaf, and mineral. Together, they create a rich, harmonious rhythm, inviting the eye to wander endlessly across its labyrinth of pattern. The subtle abrash, the gentle shifting of shades, reveals the human hand at work, reminding us of the authenticity and imperfection that imbue true beauty.
Scarcity defines its allure. Woven circa 1880s in the Eastern Caucasus, this exquisite work of art belongs to a lineage of textiles that have become increasingly rare in the global market. The Soumak technique itself, labor-intensive and exacting, is a testament to the mastery of the weaver, a woman whose artistry was both a domestic treasure and a cultural statement. Today, such works are cherished as investment-grade heirlooms, embodying the prestige of craftsmanship no longer reproducible in the modern world.
To live with this Shirvan Soumak rug is to invite the spirit of antiquity into contemporary life. Its geometric symbology resonates with the timeless search for order, its tribal motifs echo the voice of ancestors, and its presence elevates any interior into a gallery of authenticity and refinement. For the discerning collector or designer, this piece is not just décor but a one-of-a-kind cultural artifact, carrying with it the weight of history, the prestige of rarity, and the poetic exclusivity that only true woven masterpieces can command.
- Abrash.
- Handwoven wool.
- Made in Caucasus Region.
- Measures: 03'05 x 06'05.
- Pile Height: 0.16 of an inch.
- Date: 1880's. Late 19th Century.
