315 - Chirvan Lesghi Rug (warp, weft, and pile of wool), Northeast Caucasus, circa 1950–1980.

Chirvan Lesghi Rug (warp, weft, and pile of wool), Northeast Caucasus, circa 1950–1980. (Signs of wear, previous restorations, and fraying.) Length: 124 cm; Width: 97 cm The rug is adorned with a series of two blue and ivory cross-shaped medallions on a navy blue background featuring small polychrome geometric motifs. Three borders with geometric floral motifs frame the composition. The term “Chirvan” refers both to a type of carpet and to a region where a large number of carpets are produced. Indeed, it is a vast, mountainous region inhabited by a diverse population. It stretches from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, forming a natural barrier between Europe and Asia. Shirvan carpets are knotted in cities (Kuba, Dagestan, etc.) as well as in villages (Tchi tchi, Lesghi, Seikour, Perépédil, etc.). Bibliographic reference: - SABAHI, T. - Splendors of Oriental Carpets. Ed. Atlas, Paris 1987, pp. 285–286 and p. 293