(High-Collectible) (“NEW ACQUISITION")Among the most powerful Caucasian rug designs, the "Cloudband Kazak" is immediately recognizable because of the curly-qued motifs that float within one or multiple enormous medallions. Emanating an age-old ambiance, cloudbands are enigmatic forms in Asian mythology representing the “bands of clouds” created by the vapors that enclose the heavenly dragon as it flies overhead. Cloudband Kazaks that pre-date the circa 1890 to 1920 workshop period are extremely rarely found. This is a superb example of the pre-commercial period, featuring especially freeform, elemental drawing, and is packed with recognizable and inscrutable details that combine to create a window into the vital tribal mind of that time. Consistent with the earliest tribal rugs of this style is the menagerie of human figures, animal forms and colorful totemic designs, drawn with great individuality. They convey a whimsical, natural theme to balance the rug’s celestial symbolo Learn About This Rug Type