335. A breathtaking Antique 'Cloudband' Chondzoresk Karabagh

335. Provenance: Chondzoresk, Karabagh, Southern Caucasus

Size: 240 x 110 cm

Age: Circa 1890

Condtion: Very good except for one 10 cm long (repaired) tear at one end.

Notes: Karabagh is the most southerly of the Caucasian provinces, lying just to the north of the present Iranian border. The village of Chondzoresk specialized in this design commonly known as the 'cloudband Kazak' from from the last quarter of the 19th century into the 20th, but little is known about where the design came from. As with many highly-prized Caucasian rugs, there seems to be no clearly identifiable antecedents. This collector piece has a well-spaced design, with lovely tonal differences in the blues of the main medallions. Note the swastikas in the centres of each medallion. All natural dyes, and wool on wool foundation. An exception and finely-woven rug.