Soumak rug (woven wool on wool warp and weft), South Caucasu - Lot 291

Soumak rug (woven wool on wool warp and weft), South Caucasus, first half of the 20th century (Slight wear, small accident and fraying.) Length: 352 cm; Width: 252 cm This rug is decorated with large, interconnected navy-blue medallions, each enhanced by a large octagon or medallion on an old-red background with stylized polychrome geometric motifs. The navy blue main border with geometric decoration is framed by two counter-borders. Soumak is said to derive from the name of the ancient capital of the Khanate of Chirvan: Shemakha. However, the origin of this carpet is more likely to be attributed to the region of Kuba or Dagestan. Carpets from the surrounding regions would have been sold in the Shemakha bazaar. This name could also be derived from the red color, often dominant in Soumak, obtained from the berries of the shrub of the same name. The Soumak technique differs from that of other kilims: in soumak weaving, colored weft alternates between plain warp threads and additional weft threads wrapped around the warp threads, forming the decoration and a stronger, embroidered weave.