Antique Lori Pambak Kazak rug, second half 19th century, Borchaly / Bordjalou Uyezd (Southern Borchaly). published in Enza Milanesi's "The Carpet" book. private collection

This layout, with three superimposed medallions, the enlargement of the elements and their sparse arrangement, denotes 19th-century production. The octagonal medallion with a hooked profile on a white ground, enclosing a traditional cruciform figure (derived from an ancient Central Asian Turkic symbol), typically denotes the Lori Pombak carpets, so called after the name of a historical disctrict and of a mountain range.

The secondary medallions present a hooked profile, possibly an ancient symbol meant to ward off the evil eye, and enclose an eight-pointed star, which was probably an auspicious symbol.

The main border is decorated with the recurring Caucasian motif of serrated leaves alternating with tulips, here given movement by a lively interplay of colors. The white ground, in particular, recurs frequently in this carpet type.

Worthy of note are the plain secondary borders embellished with small geometric figures. The small inside border has no clear outline, as is usually the case; instead, it becomes part of the field's decoration.

Lit: Enza Milanesi, The Carpet, p 120.