Antique Kuba Alpan "crab" rug, early 20th century,  Northern Hillside Kuba Region, North East Azerbaijan

Plate 398 A very attractive rug, although one which appears to contain a number of synthetic dyes. Worthy of particular admiration is the boldly drawn crab border with a splendid polychromy to heighten the effect. It has cotton wefts, sides overcast in natural light brown cotton and a knot count of 1,200 per sq. dm (77 per sq. in.). Could be as late as 1900-10. 200 x 130 cm

Lit: Ian Bennett's Oriental Rugs Volume I