Antique Caucasian Kuba Shirvan Afshan Rug Hand Knotted Wool Blue 19thC 150x100cm

An antique East Caucasian rug from the Kuba/Shirvan region, the deep indigo field decorated with a column of large radiating star palmettes in red, ivory and light blue, interspersed with hooked leaf and flowerhead motifs, framed on either side by columns of small rosettes. The broad ivory main border carries the stylised leaf-and-calyx design derived from Kufic script, with multiple minor borders of rosettes and reciprocal motifs.

This is the Afshan-type design, one of the classic patterns of the Kuba district, with its roots in the large 18th-century floral carpets of the region. The combination of a dark blue ground, bold stylised palmettes and a wide ivory border is typical of Kuba and Shirvan weaving of the late 19th century.

The palette is rich and varied: indigo, madder red, ivory, light blue, mustard and a soft green, all showing the gentle abrash (natural colour variation) that collectors look for. The reverse shows a fine, even weave.

Size: approximately 150 x 100 cm (approx. 4′11″ x 3′3″).

Condition: an honest antique rug with wear commensurate with age. The pile is low across much of the field with some areas worn to the foundation; both ends are reduced with fraying to the outer guard stripes, and the rug sits slightly irregular in shape as is usual for village weavings. No large holes were noted. Please study all the photographs, which form part of the description.

Dispatch and packing. Sent from the UK, carefully packed. International buyers welcome – postage is calculated at checkout.