Dragon Rugs: Chelabird Medallion Evolution 1592 - 1912

This is still a preliminary investigation but I am working on tracing the evolution of the Double Eagle Floral medallion from the earliest dragon carpets up to recent production. The more I study Caucasian carpets the more obvious it becomes that Dragon Carpets did not come from Tabriz.

Well a few years have gone by and a few things have become obvious to me. First of all my evolution does not add up. The Textile Museum Prototypical Dragon Rug is not typical of the precursor of today's Chelaberds. So at this point I am still unclear what was the basis of this design evolution. Maybe Kristine Close is correct in her suggestion that Chelaberds derive from Persian floral.

Prototypical Dragon Rug Dated 1592, Textile Museum. R 36.1.4

The Where Collection Floral Carpet Floral Carpet early 18th Century.

The Keshishian Karabagh Floral Carpet Fragment A-172 Karabagh Floral Carpet, Shusha, Caucasian, late seventeenth or early eighteenth century

The Eiland Dragon Carpet Fragmentary Dragon Rug with Balanced Design and Sunburst Center. Karabagh or Shirvan. Early 18th Century. Dr. Murray L. Eiland, Jr.

Bursa Mosque Floral Carpet Turk ve Islam Eserleri Museum, Istanbul. Acquired 15 December 1911. Inv. no. 737 (57) from Mosque of Daye Hatun at Bursa. 2.10 x 3.64 m

Eagle Kazak Herrmann/Rittman Rug Southwest Caucasus, early 19th century. Please note the amazing similarity between this and the Bortz Rug vide infra.

Chelaberd (Eagle Kazak) Rug from Gary Bortz Caucasus Circa 1800

Chelaberd (Eagle Kazak) Rug from the Hazara Gallery Caucasus 3rd quarter 19th Century

Daniel's Chelabird Karabagh dated 1330 (1912)

Note: To further a long term research project I am collecting data. When a piece such as this may be of interest to others I have decided to share my notes prior to culmination of the project. As such the attributions are my own unless otherwise stated. Any additions, information, or corrections, would be appreciated.

Thanks and best wishes,

J. Barry O'Connell Jr.

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