Antique Derbend rug with the serrated latticed field, 1st quarter 19th century, 97 x 138 cm, 3'2" x 4'6"

This rug was listed as a Kabistan in the inventory of the collection of C. Meyer-Müller, Der Orient-Teppich, in 1917. It still has two of Meyer-Müller's identifying brass discs attached to its corners. A number of factors indicate an early date for this rug. The serrated latticed field is generously spaced and the drawing of the flowers exhibits great imagination and variety. The dragon border is more complex than later versions of this design. Perhaps the most important sign of age, however, is the intense saturated tone of the madder red. With a blueish tinge, it is almost a deep magenta - a depth of colour associated with early pieces. The design features shield-like ornamentation beneath the prayer arch, and "H" forms in the spandrels (related to the abstract animal forms found in early Anatolian animal rugs). These motifs are found on a few analogous Daghestans, but all appear to be later examples.

published Ralph Kaffel's Caucasian Prayer Rugs, plate 55
lit: published Ralph Kaffel's Caucasian Prayer Rugs, plate 55