Vintage Yerevan Rug

Origin: This rug dates from the Soviet era of carpet production in the Caucasus, where much of the production was done in workshops in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Dagestan in a manner that make them difficult to differentiate origin. In my opinion it is most likely that this rug was woven around Yerevan, Armenia, based on colors and side and end finish. Comparable examples from auction results I have found with a triple selvage, red flatwoven end, and warps that are not significantly depressed have all been attributed to Yerevan, though another location remains a possibility. The weaving method is exceptionally fine compared to most rugs of this time period.

Age: Mid to late 20th century, about 40-60 years old.

Design: The design of the field is referred to in rug literature as "Afshan," which is a Persian word meaning "sprinkling/scattering." The exact origin of the design is not known, though expert and author Murray Eiland Jr. suggests it may originate to Karabagh from around the same time as the creation of the famous dragon rugs. The Afshan design was used extensively in the Caucasus, especially in the late 19th century around the Kuba region. Examples exist from the Karabagh area and from across historic Western Armenia (Eastern Turkey) in the 18th century. The design of this rug is most like the Kuba variants. It features an allover repeating lattice of highly stylized floral palmettes, eight pointed stars, cruciforms, small birds, opposing bird or dragon heads, and other floral motifs. The major border features rosettes, which are bordered by abstracted dragons. The top and bottom features a thin border of facing dragon/serpent heads.

Colors: Red, dark and light blue, green, yellow, natural undyed ivory.

Foundation: Wool warp and double wool weft.

Pile: Thin and very dense wool pile.

Size: 5 feet 6 inches by 8 feet

Knotting: Symmetrical, very fine knotting of around 180+ knots per square inch. This rug would have nearly 1.1 million knots.

Condition: Excellent condition, almost new in appearance other than some slight sun fading. In terms of the weaving method, this is the finest rug I currently have available.