Kazak – Central Caucasus

An antique Kazak of confident geometry. At the heart of the navy field, a rectangle holds two deliberately asymmetrical medallions, guarded in turn by the long octagonal medallion drawn in zigzag that is the standard of this type — line upon line of sky blue and coral rippling outward like sound. Four diamonds anchor the corners of the field, which is scattered with small stars. Three borders enclose this artistic wealth, the principal one parading a row of colourful eight-pointed flowers in rose, cream and blue. Everything in this rug is rhythm: the weaver composed it the way a drummer composes — in beats, echoes and syncopation.