Antique Kuba rug, stylized "Khyrda Gül" pattern, early 20th century, Southern Kuba, possibly Devechi-Shabran District, North East Azerbaijan.

The midnight blue central field shows various sorts of blossoms arranged in alternating horizontal and vertical rows. L. Kerimov describes khyrda as "small" or "fine". Thus, we have a Chichi with fine flowers or blossoms with various small diamonds, stars, palmettes and cross motifs.

The main border (Ana hashiye) on a light ground appears as a bent and broken vine bearing bird heads. Two strips of blossoms on a blue groud form the minor borders (bala hashiye) that flank the main border. Two further simple stripes complete the border system.

Warps: Wool, Z2S, ivory

Wefts: Wool, Z2, dark ivory

Knots: H 55 x V 38 = 2090 knots / per square decimeter

Literature: R. Ettinghausen, M.S. Dimand, L. Mckie, K. Gamble, A.N. Landreau, Prayer Rugs, Textile Museum, Washington D.C., 1974, plate XXXII. p. 100. The prayer rug is dated 1297 (1879-80). Lefevre & Partners had presented an older piece in their publication (also auction catalogue), Caucasian Carpets, London 1977, Catalogue no: 49. The rug there was dated 1268 (1852).

published at Siyawouch Azadi "Azerbaijani Caucasian rugs" plate no: 6