Doe and Hope

Description

The Caucasus, a harsh mountainous area which separates Europe from Asia, has been weaving rugs since the 16th Century, reaching its historical peak in the 19th Century.

Kazaks often display two or three geometrical medallions, as this one does, sometimes with characteristic S-shaped patterns. The foundation is usually wool, and the fairly deep pile is always wool, with the Ghiordes knot. The principal colour is red, though bold, warm shades of green and yellow are used as well.

Kazak rugs have always been popular in Europe, largely because of their robust quality. The Afghan reproductions follow the traditional techniques and aspects of the Antique Kazaks.

As with all hand-made rugs, each piece brings with it a spectrum of shades of colouring depending upon from which angle one views it from. This Kazak boasts the traditional feel of a Zazak piece, whilst also remaining finely balanced refraining from being too bold. The quadruple border is a busy design of geometric patterns and motifs. Each border has a different ground colour, going from red at the outer to blue as the inner border, with a soft apple green in the central borders. The central field is a vibrant red, set between the three geometric medallions to the center. This rug is well drawn and beautifully balanced, which is a quality that is harder to find in Kazak rugs, and provides excellent value for money.