About the Antique Rugs of the Future Project

 Sheep Breeds of Azerbaijan

 Shearing, Sorting, Washing, Carding, Spinning

 "The advantages of handspun yarn to machine spun yarn"

 Rediscovery of Ancient Natural Dyes		 Our Natural Dyestuffs

 Mordants

 Difference between synthetically and naturally dyed rugs

 Weaving and Finishing Steps

 Galleries of ARFP Caucasian Azerbaijani Rugs
 

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Antique Serapi rug, Azerbaijan, NW Iran, early 20th century, 8. ft 02 in x 12 ft 06 in (2.49 m x 3.81 m), Nazmiyal Collection
This superb antique Serapi is unusual for its design and cool, earthy palette. Most antique Serapis have centralized designs, usually in a bold medallion format. This one, however, is graced by an allover drop-repeat design descended from classical Caucasian blossom and dragon carpets. The interlacing vinescroll border is, of course, classic Heriz or Serapi, although its suits the crisp geometric drawing of the field admirably well. But in place of the vibrant palette so characteristic of Heriz and Serapi carpets, here the coloration is reserved and autumnal, with cinnamon, apricot, and tan tones in place of the rich reds and greens. This is altogether an extraordinary example by every criterion.