About This Rug
This antique Caucasian Gendje wool rug features closely arranged rows of small boteh motifs across a deep navy field. Dating to circa the 1870s, it combines a narrow format with several contrasting ornamental borders.
Hand-knotted in wool, the rug measures approximately 78.7 × 175.3 cm. Its elongated proportions give the repeating pattern a strong sense of rhythm, while the borders provide a substantial decorative frame.
A Repeating Boteh Field
Small hooked boteh forms fill the centre in closely spaced rows. Brick-red lower sections and ivory details stand out against the navy ground, with blue and green accents introducing subtle variation.
The motifs repeat without a central medallion, allowing the eye to follow the pattern along the rug’s length. Small differences in drawing and colour give individual forms their own character.
Dark spaces between the motifs keep the dense arrangement clearly defined. The compact scale of the boteh contrasts with the larger ornaments around the perimeter.
Three Distinct Border Designs
A rust-red border surrounds the field with geometric flowers, angular ornaments and pale elongated motifs. Blue, green and ivory details break up the warm ground.
An ivory band introduces curling botanical forms, creating a lighter interval between the darker sections. Its connected stems contrast with the separate ornaments in the rust-red band.
The dark outer border repeats small floral forms along the sides and ends. Narrow patterned lines separate these sections, adding further detail without overwhelming the central field.
Wool and Timeworn Texture
The wool pile is low and uneven, with localised wear exposing the underlying weave. Some sections retain stronger colour and pattern definition, while others have a more reduced surface.
The folded-corner photographs show the patterned reverse and differences in texture across the weave. The outline is slightly irregular, with visible waviness along portions of the sides.
Condition and Old Restorations
Age-related wear includes low pile, exposed weave, worn side edges and short, uneven fringe remnants. Some old restorations are present and form part of the rug’s condition.
Their exact materials, dates and extent have not been documented. Please examine the detailed photographs for differences in texture and appearance around worn or restored areas.
This is a visibly timeworn antique textile, not an unrestored or uniformly plush rug. Decorative display or gentle use is preferable to a busy passageway.
Key Details
Region: Caucasus
Type: Gendje
Period: Circa 1870s
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-knotted
Dimensions: Approximately 78.7 cm wide × 175.3 cm long
Feet and inches: 2 ft 7 in × 5 ft 9 in
Decimal dimensions: Approximately 2.58 × 5.75 ft
Design: Repeating boteh with geometric and scrolling floral borders
Colours: Deep navy, brick red, rust, ivory, muted blue, green and pale gold
Condition: Age-related wear, low uneven pile, localised exposed weave, old restorations, worn edges and short uneven fringe remnants
Outline: Slightly irregular
SKU: 1B1023
Why It’s Special
The closely repeated boteh field offers a lively contrast to the three distinct border designs. Its narrow proportions and rich palette give this nineteenth-century textile a strong decorative identity despite its visible wear.
One Royal Art
At One Royal Art, we curate distinctive handmade rugs, celebrating their individual character and clearly describing their condition.
