Antique Armenian Kazak Rug

Origin: This rug is from the area directly north and west of Lake Sevan, and could be from either Lori or Tavush Provinces. Based on colors and design, I currently lean toward the Shamshadin District of Tavush.

Age: Late 19th century, ~130-140 years old.

Design: The rug blends two common designs, the so-called "Memling Guls" which are a stepped and hooked cross design woven across all of Armenia, and a zig-zag red band pattern that is used in Karabagh. The three stepped-crosses each contain a symbol of facing serpents/dragons, a sign of protection and fertility. The field contains many dragons, a fertility symbol formed by 6 triangles and a central diamond that is perhaps humanoid in style (its shape is the negative space of the facing dragon medallions), Jerusalem crosses, dowry symbols, quincunx, and two partial eternity signs. The primary border features a geometric style of eight pointed stars (a symbol of eternity and cosmic harmony) and secondary border of protective battlements.

Colors: Natural plant dyes with a particularly delicate and deep earthy tone. Shades of blue from Indigo (indigofera tinctoria, also known as true indigo.) Shades of red and coral from madder root (rubia tinctorum, or dyer’s madder). Yellow has several possible sources including pomegranate rind, onion skins, vine leaves, and weld (reseda luteola). Greenish blue from overdying blue and yellow. Black from walnut husk and indigo and probably dark wool. Natural undyed ivory.

Foundation: Natural brown wool warp of several shades, two to three shoots of red wool weft.

Pile: Hand spun, lustrous wool of the Armenian Highlands.

Knotting: Symmetrical.

Size: 3 feet by 6 feet 6 inches.

Condition: Good condition, with the original sides fully intact, the upper flatwoven band and most of the lower band preserved. I restored the rug by reweaving numerous areas of missing pile and wear down to the foundation and repairing several holes. As to not over restore or alter the character too much, I left some areas of low pile as-is and left areas of corroded black wool which is a characteristic that is only possible with oxidation from over a century. As is common with many rugs woven on home looms and with wool foundation, it is slightly irregular in shape and has a few bumps here and there.