17

Southwestern Caucasus

Rug, 1st half of the 19th century

This rug represents an unusual variation on a well-known Caucasian theme. The central ground of the rug, a standard design often called "Borjalu Kazak," is framed by a yellow border.  As a result, the white hooked vine that would normally meander through the Borjalu main border becomes the ivory field upon which a two-sectioned central panel floats. The addition of the unusual outer yellow border and the playful, asymmetric treatment of the archaic devices in the panel suggest that this rug was created by a weaver who was familiar with the traditional Borjalu pattern, but who chose to improvise a special rug of their own design.

M.H.