Lenkoran – Karabagh, South Caucasus

Magnificent Caucasian Lenkoran rug woven from the finest velvety wool found in the Talish region of Southern Azerbaijan. Made at the end of the 19th century and based on the esoteric traditions of the villages of Lenkoran, this fascinating antique carpet impresses with the boldness of its design. Three central medallions in the shape of polygons made in blue, red and burgundy contrast with the navy-blue background of the carpet. These medallions are known as tosbaga which means turtle. Inside each medallion is a smaller medallion. The more oversized medallion depicts the mother turtle, and the smaller one represents her children. A set of geometric and anthropomorphic figures adorns each medallion. Around it, rosebuds, stars, stylized animals and S-shaped figures are found. The medallions alternate with horizontal bands in perfectly combined tones. Finally, the entire area is surrounded by three borders in burgundy, blue and salmon colours that protect the symbols on the inside. Ancient Lenkorans are very rare and are generally narrow. It is an exceptional piece due to its non-standard width for a Lenkoran.

Antique Lenkorans are rare and almost always narrow: the atypical 158 cm width of this piece is in itself a rarity factor within the subtype.