CAUCASIAN SHIRVAN SAPH RUG
Southeast Caucasian Antique Rug

(High-Collectible) ("One of “60 Best-of-Their-Type Rugs Sold in 2022") What distinguishes a Saph rug is a motif formed by three sides of a box shape topped by a hexagonal niche, called a "mihrab," that sits tightly in an outer box. Woven near the famous Marasali village in the Shirvan region, Saph rugs usually feature these motifs in pairs. There is next to nothing known about this group of rugs as most are part of a turn-of-the-20th-century product woven for foreign markets. This remarkable piece shares the mihrab-in-a -box design with the other published rugs, but the similarity stops there. Very finely woven and bordered by beautifully executed "Oak Leaf & Chalice" and "Running Dog" Shirvan borders, the field portrays three pomegranate trees. Their boughs are laden with multi-colored fruit, while their trunks are decorated with the Saph design like amulets. There is no precedent for this carefully detailed piece. Its craftsmanship and sensitively hued palette point to an older tradition while setting it apart from later works with bulkier knotting and harsher colors. Whatever this utterly delightful and imaginative rug's history is, its artistry is pure and personal, and the weaving and dyeing are highly skilled.


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