About the Antique Rugs of the Future Project

Sheep Breeds of Azerbaijan

Shearing,
Sorting, Washing, Carding, Spinning

"The advantages of handspun yarn to machine spun yarn"

Rediscovery of Ancient Natural Dyes
Our Natural Dyestuffs

Mordants

Difference between synthetically and naturally dyed rugs

Weaving and Finishing Steps

Galleries of ARFP Caucasian Azerbaijani Rugs
 

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Antique Derbend rug with a great variety of flowers in the latticed field, first half 19th century, 89 x 151 cm, 2'1" x 5'0"


This example belongs to a small group of Daghestan prayer rugs made in a long, narrow format -sometimes over two metres in length. These long rugs almost invariably feature the stylized dragon border of this piece. This rug is analogous to an example from the Meyer-Muller Collection sold at Christie's, New York in 1991. While most rugs of this type were probably made in the third and fourth quarters of the nineteenth century; a pre-1850 date for this piece is likely. The loss of the rug's outer guard stripe does not diminish its visual appeal. Its outstanding features include a range of wonderful, luminous colours: a great variety of flowers in the latticed field: generous spacing in the overall design, and outstanding draughtsmanship. The narrow dark blue prayer arch echoes the design of the guard stripes and adds a pleasing symmetry.

 

published Ralph Kaffel's Caucasian Prayer Rugs, plate 66
lit: published Ralph Kaffel's Caucasian Prayer Rugs, plate 66