LAMBALO KAZAK
Southern Central Caucasian Antique Rug

(High-Collectible) ("New Arrivals Gallery") Examples of 19th-century Lambalo Kazak rugs are among the most scarcely encountered and prized of the umpteen subgroups of antique Caucasian rugs. Little is left of this region’s woven legacy, but a well-preserved rug such as this speaks volumes for its distinctive artistry. Lambalos favored simply ornamented narrow fields. Here, we see a narrow expanse of richly dyed dark scarlet where legendary creatures posture near a single esoteric emblem. Wonderfully saturated colors, including smatterings of rare Tyrian purple and a thrilling, high-contrast use of ivory, impart an impressive graphic quality and visual balance to the design. Befitting of its treasured status, the rug has very little sign of wear, and we assume it has been kept as a favored artwork for most of its existence. A series of clearly woven borders encompass more of the total area than the field, each with expressive designs, most notably the ivory band that resembles the geometric explorations of Mondrian meets Kandinsky. This magnificently totemic piece, in superb condition, upholds the style’s reputation for having silky wool and an originally shorter pile with a hint of luminous patination that imparts a crisp clarity of design.

Read About Lambalo Kazak Rugs

Read a Summary of Caucasian Rugs

Watch Our Caucasian Rug Video

Learn About High-Collectible Rugs