16

Southwestern Caucasus

Rug, dated 1837

The powerful, clearly drawn medallion and the elements that fill the field of this rug are reminiscent of Turkish and Persian central-medallion carpets from earlier centuries. Although its structure is typically Caucasian, its design is of no known Caucasian type. It appears to be a personal statement throughout, especially in the border, where an evolving sequence of motifs seems to reflect the changing moods of the weaver. The distinctive graphic elements of the rug serve as reminders that many of the designs variously attributed to eastern Anatolia, northwestern Iran and the southwestern Caucasus are far too interrelated always to be neatly placed within political boundaries. While its use of color appears limited at first glance, careful scrutiny reveals no fewer than 11 hues. This rug demonstrates just how much visual power can be generated in a small area through discriminate outlining and creative drawing.

M.H.