Supreme Kazak Rug: 88cm x 60cm

Origin: Kabul
Style: Kazak (Supreme quality)
Provenance: N/A
Dated: Late 20th C
Hand Knotted 100% Wool Pile.
Length: 88cms / 2.9 feet
Width: 60cms / 1.9 feet

Having three 'running dog' medallions and four rosettes on a red ground with three borders. Indigo blue, a more unusual shimmering turquoise and buff cream make up the rest of the pieces colour spectrum. The balance in the piece is derived from both the middle medallion and outer border both being set in cream. A useful size, and a hardwearing piece.

The Caucasus, a harsh mountainous area which separates Europe from Asia, has been weaving rugs since the 16th Century, reaching its historical peak in the 19th Century.Kazaks often display two or three geometrical medallions, as this one does, sometimes with characteristic S-shaped patterns. The foundation is usually wool, and the fairly deep pile is always wool, with the Ghiordes knot. The principal colour is red, though bold, warm shades of green and yellow are used as well.

Kazak rugs have always been popular in Europe, largely because of their robust quality. The Afghan reproductions follow the traditional techniques and aspects of the Antique Kazaks. As with all hand-made rugs, each piece brings with it a spectrum of shades of colouring depending upon from which angle one views it from.