(Connoisseur-Caliber) ("New Arrivals Gallery") Kuba weavers were masters of the all-over pattern language. Early Kuba rugs, such as this 150-year-old historic piece, offer mesmerizing patterns that avoid the monotony of simple repetition and expand the level of aesthetic engagement by deft variations, adding layer upon layer of complexity to the overall canvas. At first glance, this enchanting Kuba offers an enormity of fine detail, as overwhelmingly awe-inspiring as when gazing up at the infinite complexity of the Milky Way. At first, it is easy to revel in the ordered arrangement of diagonal stepped polygonal medallions, each bearing highly abstract inflorescences. Then, partway up from the bottom, it appears the weaver shifted from colorful splashes in spaciously designed medallions to finely etched medallions, darkly colored and with emphatic ivory highlight outlining. And finally, at the top, the design returns to its original theme, leading the viewer to perceive the totality as extending infinitely in all directions. Adding to the intrigue, the little bit of 'left-over spaces' are improvisationally filled with talismanic symbols deeply tied to ancient tribal cultural and spiritual traditions, such as combs, a symbol of protection associated with fertility and family continuity, as well as cloudbands, birds, and Diamonds of Wealth. The main border of star octagons provides a simple frame that does not detract from the composition's effervescence. The mastery and sense of artistic freedom of this long-ago weaver is also evident in her deft ability to weave each eight-pointed Star of Wisdom in a seemingly endless variety of proportions and color combinations.

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