Antique Southwest Caucasian Wool Rug
This handmade Southwest Caucasian wool rug dates to the 1880s and features seven linked diamond medallions. Their dark grounds form a continuous column against a warm brick-red field. Fine ivory outlines sharpen each diamond, while serrated accents bring movement to the edges.
Small geometric rosettes fill the medallions in red, ivory and muted yellow. The repeated shapes create a clear rhythm along the elongated field. Subtle differences in their proportions give the composition an individual, hand-worked character.
Seven Diamonds and Star Borders
A broad dark border surrounds the central design with repeating star-like motifs and smaller floral forms. Ivory and soft yellow ornaments stand out against muted blue-green and brown tones. Red accents connect the border visually with the warm central field.
Narrow ivory-patterned bands frame both sides of the main border. Their repeating geometric forms create a crisp transition between the larger motifs. Fine dark lines provide additional definition without competing with the linked medallions.
The design balances a strongly ordered centre with busier surrounding ornament. From a distance, the seven diamonds establish the rug’s identity. Closer viewing reveals small flower heads, stepped outlines and changes in colour across the wool surface.
Hand-Knotted Wool and Timeworn Texture
The rug is hand-knotted in wool, with a low and uneven surface shaped by age and use. Areas of pronounced wear reveal the structure of the weave. The colours vary softly across the field and borders, complementing the restrained geometric drawing.
Its proportions measure approximately 3 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 8 inches, or 112 by 203 centimetres. The long, relatively narrow format gives the repeating medallions room to develop. It offers a distinct alternative to a single central-medallion composition.
Condition
Antique condition with visible age-related wear and low, uneven pile throughout. The field and borders show thinning, with exposed weave in worn areas. Side edges are rubbed and irregular, with loose threads visible along portions of the perimeter.
Both ends have short, uneven fringes and loose yarns. The outline shows gentle waviness rather than a perfectly regular rectangle. These features remain part of the rug’s present condition and should be considered before placement.
Key Details
Period: 1880s
Origin: Southwest Caucasus
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-knotted
Dimensions: 3′8″ × 6′8″ / approximately 112 × 203 cm
Design: Seven linked diamond medallions, geometric rosettes and star-patterned borders
Colours: Brick red, dark brown, muted blue-green, ivory and soft yellow
Condition: Worn antique condition, low uneven pile, worn side edges and irregular fringes with loose threads
SKU: 1B1065
Placement and Care
Given the worn pile and fragile edges, a low-traffic position or supported textile display is preferable. A study or quiet bedside setting can highlight the elongated composition. Avoid busy passageways where shoes and repeated movement could catch loose threads.
For floor use, a suitable rug pad can help reduce movement. Handle the ends carefully and seek specialist advice before cleaning or securing loose yarns. This nineteenth-century textile rewards a setting that respects its age and visible wear.
