Shirvan – Southeast Caucasus

An antique Caucasian Shirvan possessing all the virtues of the great rugs: perfect design, excellent wool, dense knotting, intense colour, and evident mastery of execution. Across the ivory field, geometric flowers divide vertically into a honeycomb of cells arranged in a “V”, each compartment holding its blossom in madder red, navy and gold — order and abundance in the same breath. The border replies with wit: a row of “bird’s head” motifs set in opposing pairs, joined by diagonal crosses, its dark ground making the luminous field glow brighter. A Shirvan of textbook quality — and far more charm than any textbook.

A rare Shirvan prayer rug, with a Marasali-type lattice on a golden-ivory ground — a subtype considerably rarer and more valued than conventional Shirvans.