AH 1325 (1907 AD) dated Shirvan Medallion Gubpa rug, Southern Shirvan Region, North East Azerbaijan.

Arjiman
Shemakha district, Shirvan
309 x 119 cm
Dated: 1325 - 1907
 

Five concentric, stepped hexagonal medallions descend the vertical axis of the midnight-blue field. At the upper and lower ends, palmette projections called kubpa or bashlyk appear, which are further transformed into red, flame-like forms. It is precisely this flame-like ornamentation that is characteristic of Arjiman. L. Kerimov reports that the fire-worshipper (Zoroastrian) called kubpa or bashlyk "faruhar", and that this was one of the main symbols of their religion. According to this religion - and Azerbaijan was one of the main centres of fire-temples - the human soul finds eternal rest in heaven after the body's death. Only on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 40th day and on the anniversary of death does the soul descend to earth, to its former habitation.
The light-ground main border is a simple row of multi-coloured squares with end-hooks in pairs. One and/or two minor borders with reciprocal crenels (madakhil) complete the border system.
 

Warps: Wool, Z3 S, ivory and beige.
Wefts: Cotton, Z2, white, 2 wefts: 1st somewhat tight, 2nd waved.
Pile: Wool, Z2; camel hair, Z2,
Pile Height: 5.5 mm.
Knots: Symmetrical 2, / , 45 °, H 40xV30 = c. 1,200 Kn/dm2.
Handle: Velours, almost thin, lightly ribbed.
Upper End: c. 1 cm cotton simple tapestry weave, fringes in groups knotted in staggered rows (remainder).
Lower End: c. 15 cm white cotton simple tapestry weave, uncut fringes looped in pairs, a few spots knotted in groups (probably added later).
Selvedge: 0.6 cm white cotton shirazi around 2 ribs in figure-of-eight wrapping with supplemental threads.

Remarks: The quality and colours are both good. Technically, the carpet shows a strong similarity with the Salyan ("Akstafa"). The main border is almost identical in terms of ornamentation. Literature: L. Kerimov IV, colour ill. 60.
published at Siyawouch Azadi "Azerbaijani Caucasian rugs" plate no: 78