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Shirvan Marasali Prayer rug with the flaming boteh elements and samovar motifs / Samovarlı Şirvan Mərəzə xalçası
CODE: SHRMRSN13

Size (metric): 132x161cm
Size (ft): 4'3"x5'3"
Area: 2.12 m2
 Density: 140 000 knots per square meter, totally ~300 000 knots
Weaving period: three months

Colors (12): madder red, midnight blue, light variegated green, dark green, olive green, light brown, goldenrod yellow, light yellow, Persian blue, maroon, natural ivory sheep wool (undyed), natural dark brown (undyed).

Dyes: 100% natural dyes: madder, weld (Reseda Luteola), indigo, pomegranate skins, walnut husks, natural brown sheep wool, natural ivory sheep wool
Materials: Handcarded and handspun wool for pile, wool warps (natural ivory and brown twist) and ivory wefts (two shots)

Weaver's name: Khayala
Handwoven in Azerbaijan, dated 1436 (2015)

Design: The indigo field with diagonal rows of polychrome serrated boteh, the indigo mihrab arch above with an ivory keel arch of angular vine scattered with minor motifs around rows of polychrome boteh, inner reciprocal skittle-pattern stripe, in an ivory border of stylised boteh and samovar motif between indigo flowerhead stripes. dated 1436 (2016)

Some references state that samovars were first created in Russia, but a fairly recent archeological discovery in Azerbaijan would suggest otherwise. Ancient tribes in the area apparently used a samovar-like vessel to heat water for their meals. Archeologist Tufan Akhundov, who unearthed one such pottery-shaped samovar in Shaki, a city located in the foothills of the Caucasus about five hours northwest of Baku, believes this archeological find to be the oldest samovar ever unearthed - possibly up to 3,600 years old.

Read more at http://www.azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/83_folder/83_articles/83_samovar.html

Ancient samovar found in Sheki, Azerbaijan
 

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Samovar - a metal urn, often of brass, with a spigot near its base, widely used to boil water for tea. In traditional samovars water is heated by means of a vertical tube, containing burning charcoal, running up the middle of the urn. A filled teapot is set atop the chimney to steep. A lighter brew can be obtained by adding more water to the teacup from the spigot. Traditionally, a samovar was used for all household needs that required hot water, and almost all families possessed one.



An antique brass samovar

 

Buta/Boteh has been used in Iran, Central Asia and Caucasus since the Sassanid Dynasty (AD 224 to AD 651). Some design scholars believe the Boteh is the convergence of a stylized floral spray and a cypress tree: a Zoroastrian symbol of life and eternity. A floral motif called Buteh, which originated in the Sassanid Dynasty (200–650 AD) of Iran and later in the Safavid Dynasty (from 1501 to 1736), was a major textile pattern in Iran and Caucasus during the Qajar Dynasty.

In these periods, the pattern was used to decorate royal regalia, crowns, and court garments, as well as textiles used by the general population. According to Azerbaijani historians, the design comes from ancient times of Zoroastrianism and is an expression of the essence of that religion. It subsequently became a decorative element widely used in Azerbaijani culture and architecture.

The pattern is still popular in Iran and South and Central Asian countries. It is woven using gold or silver threads on silk or other high quality textiles for gifts, for weddings and special occasions.

The usage of the pattern goes beyond clothing – paintings, jewelry, frescoes, curtains, tablecloths, quilts, carpets, garden landscaping, and pottery also sport the buta design in Azerbaijan, Iran and Central Asia.

Buta/Boteh is also one of the most important ornamental motifs of Mughal Indian art, consisting of a floral spray with stylized leaves and flowers. It is used in architecture and painting and in textiles, enamels, and almost all other decorative arts. The motif began to gain importance in the reign of the Mughal emperor Jahangir (1605–27).

Coptic silk textiles depicting floral and boteh motifs were found in Akhmim, (a city in Upper Egypt. Referred to by the ancient Greeks as Khemmis, Chemmis and Panopolis, it is located on the east bank of the Nile). 5-7 centuries AD. Published at " Lyon Musée Historique des tissues Soieries Sassanides, Coptes et Byzantines V – XI siècles". According to the book, the boteh motif derives from the lotus leaf.


Ziziphus lotus  is a deciduous shrub in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae, native to the Mediterranean region

Here is a decoration of applied-leather plant motif on a leather flask from the Pazyryk tombs, Altai Mountains` (5th century BC). Hermitage Museum”. This is perhaps the earliest decoration which can be connected to the boteh motif.


 


A similar motif can be found in the ancient textiles of Native Americans (Andean textiles, South America).


Andean textile from the late intermediate Chimu period (AD 1000 to AD 1476)

 


A decorative sleeveband with two horseman above depicting a boteh like motifs. Silk, Egypt, 6-8 centuries, Victoria and Albert Museum, London

 

In sum, boteh/buta element may have different meanings in the different cultures: Zoroastrian flame, shrub, Scythian decorative motif, a bird, flower, cypress tree etc. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



VIEWS FROM MARAZA VILLAGE

 

 


 

For more information about the above rug or to place an order please email vd@azerbaijanrugs.com (Baku, Azerbaijan) or ra@azerbaijanrugs.com  (San Francisco Bay Area). We will get back to you within 24 hours or less.