SHIRVAN, Southeast Caucasian
3' 11" x 5' 1" Late 19th Century Price: $8,200
(High-Decorative)
This entirely magical tribal example from the wide-ranging Caucasian Shirvan tradition offers a window into this highly respected, consummate type of folk art. Blazing persimmon and saffron-based gold tones set this piece apart from the more often seen palette of red and blue, successfully capturing the warmth of the afternoon sun. Presenting a rare design format, this rug’s field is formatted as a series of horizontal bands which subtly constrict from the bottom to the top. A different compression happens between the horizontal and vertical main border as well. The truncated tree forms in two of the bands where some boughs curl up suggest the tail of a monkey, a favorite pet in this region.