JBOC attribution Caucasian Rugs - Karabagh rug - Northern Nagorno Karabakh - See my Guide to Cloudband Kazak Rugs
Provenance - Formerly in the private collection of James C. Allen.
James C. Allen's Auction description.Here is a CLASSICAL Cloud-Band Kazak, circa 1850-1870, Caucasus Mountains, measuring 48 X 109 inches. Cloudband Kazak's are revered among those who are deeply interested in Caucasian rugs. It may in fact be one of the most dynamic designs typical to ANY group of oriental rugs. The inspiration for the design is not that difficult to surmise. I believe the swirling bands floating upon the blue and green field of the octagons may be related to the ancient Central Asian symbol of the cloud-band. The cloud-band itself had celestial connotations for the ancient people of Central Asia, the center symbolizing the North Star around which the other stars appear to revolve. The dynamic nature of the design is a result of an effort to portray this movement in the heavens. Therefore, it is no wonder this design type has captivated all those who have taken an interest in this genre of rug. Amazingly this rug, which is very square per its' measurements, has a design that is absolutely dynamic. In fact the design seems to be moving in a sine wave within the confines of the border! This weaving, in deference to most others I have ever seen, has vegetable dyes that create an affective transference. The greens are so life like and perfectly balanced and harmonized with the bold natural dandelion yellow and red clay madder that the image of the rug seems to melt into your eyes. It is carefully knotted and the weave looks more like a Turkoman weave than a more primitive village effort. It is extremely rare to see tertiary fill of such variety and interest as one sees in this example. It takes an artist to make a weaving dance, not just a weaver exercising her craft, but an artist realizing her inspiration and vision. This piece has great age and naturally the rug creates a sensation hung upon a well lit wall! I would say this piece is in very good condition. This weaving is medium to low pile overall without any obvious defects or knot nodes showing. For Further Reading: Thanks and best wishes, J. Barry O'Connell Jr. |
Persian Rugs the O'Connell Guides |
The color in this
piece is f
