(Connoisseur-Caliber) ("New Arrivals Gallery")

19th-century Karabagh art rugs hold a special place among the family of Caucasian tribal rugs for their unique fusion of Persian design patterns re-expressed through the region's traditional geometric and tribal aesthetics. In this rare, earth-toned, long tribal runner, the theme of pole-and-medallion, overlaid on a ground of flowering plants, is an example. The abstract drawing is thrillingly geometric, with Diamond of Strength medallions, anchor-shaped pendants, stepped diamonds, Shah Abbas palmettes, and cypress trees all aligned along the Tyrian purple axis. The surrounding melange of geometric blossoms is arranged on a highly elemental, deconstructed lattice, evoking an infinite field of flowers. The color palette is extremely noteworthy and will intrigue the seasoned eye of a color connoisseur for its very rare and irresistibly tantalizing tones of Tyrian purple, cochineal red, and a deep, clear emerald green, all hues considered signs of masterful dyeing and more commonly found only in higher-quality pieces. The verdant green used at the beginning of the rug shifts and alternates up the composition via the magic of abrash, aka, the 'clouds of the colors', through various contrasting brushstrokes of bronze and camel. Dramatically contrasting, asymmetric color shifts are intentionally used in the small guard borders, greatly expanding the sense of depth and making this 150-year-old masterwork of folk art even more intriguing to view.

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