Antique Caucasian Soumak rug, "Sunburst" (Eagle, Adler Kazak) design, late 19th century, North East Azerbaijan

5.11 x 9.05 Late nineteenth century Antique Sumak, Caucasus - Based on the classic Caucasian 'Sunburst' or 'Eagle' design, this exciting antique Sumak has a series of medallions with radiating branches in ivory and soft blue, set against a rich terracotta field. Smaller geometric motifs occupy the space around the medallions. A 'dragon' border on ivory frames the field, flanked by minor borders of tiny rosettes, with one last outer in a 'running dog' or spiral wave pattern. The Sunburst design is well known in Caucasian Karabagh pile carpets, but it is unusual in the flatwoven Sumak technique as it appears here.

Nazmiyal Collection