Antique Kuba rug, late 19th century, Southern Hillside Kuba Region, Devechi (Divichi)-Shabran District, North East Azerbaijan

The design of this rug is a descendent of a very old one composed of repeated palmettes flanked by curved leaves. It centers on three different connected and ascending palmette (or shield) forms on the vertical axis of the field, each flanked by “curled-leaf” motifs.

Below each palmette are leaf-like elements which project at 45 degrees. These rugs can be compared to some of the 19th century dragon soumaks, and presumably derive from 17th and 18th century dragon rugs from the Karabagh area.

Bijov rugs are usually some of the largest of those from the eastern Caucasus, so this one is unusual. While Bidjov rugs are often coarsely woven, this one is finer. Its fineness has the effect of permitting the design to retain its effectiveness despite the small format.

Information and picture from R. JOHN HOWE: TEXTILES AND TEXT