Kuba rug, second half 19th century

Measurements: 174cm x 104cm (5’9 x 3’5)

81 Knots per inch

Price: £950

I love these rugs from the northern Caucasus with their well articulated designs and busy designs. I think this example is a Konagkend garden rug. The field is divided into three sections dominated by octagons which are surrounded by colourful stars and smaller octagons. Note how some of the designs slip under the borders and provide a sense of real depth. The palette is very pleasing with the mid blue balancing against the dark red and lightened by the white octagons. This is a piece that I think has a special quality, the complexity of the design is almost impossible to take in on first viewing, the red inserts appear to float above the blue ground and the eye is drawn from one motif to the next. It is a rug that with interest that lasts a lifetime. See how the birds decrease as the weaver works from bottom to top and how the decoration varies in each segment of the garden.
A truly captivating rug.

Condition:

Good condition, quite a thin rug with low to medium pile but generally very good for the age.