Antique Armenian Lori Rug

Origin: Lori Province, Armenia (also referred to as a Kazak rug.) While the three medallion design is woven across a wide area, the border design, colors, and structure point to a Lori designation. Possibly from the vicinity of Pambak, as it is very similar to 'Lori Pambak' rugs. A similar rug with a three medallion design in Weavers, Merchants, and Kings: The Inscribed Rugs of Armenia attached as an example.

Age: Late 19th century, ~130-145 years old.

Design: Three medallions of a stepped cross design with interior details of smaller stepped crosses on an open field. The cross design could be seen as a stepped cruciform or a stylized sun cross. It is also a typical architectural feature seen as windows of Armenian monasteries. The primary border features a repeating geometric motif that utilizes negative space to create an interlocking effect. To me, it looks a bit like a tau cross.

Colors: Natural plant dyes that are deeply saturated with a beautiful variety of shades from small batch hand dying. Shades of blue from Indigo (indigofera tinctoria, also known as true indigo.) Shades of red 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). Greens from overdying blue and yellow. Browns from walnut husk and maybe dark wool. Natural undyed ivory.

Foundation: Natural ivory wool warp, two to three shoots of red wool weft.

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

Knotting: Symmetrical.

Size: 5 feet 2 inches by 7 feet 1 inch.

Condition: Good condition for the age. Areas of full pile and areas of low pile and exposed foundation, both from wear and from oxidation due to age. I fully restored a double cord selvage to the entire rug and secured the flatwoven ends to preserve as much original material as possible and make it safe for use on the floor. It is in otherwise as-found condition with numerous old repairs.