Karabagh Rug

Rugs from the Karabagh area of the southern Caucasus mountain region are characterized by primitive abstract geometric designs. Indicative of European influence, the floral motifs are somewhat crude compared to Persian versions. While the design of this rug is typical, the rug is unusual in its bold coloring. On close observation, fourteen different colors are apparent, the work of an ambitious weaver. The arbitrary color variations are the result of a dyeing technique known as abrash in which wool is dyed at different times in different batches of color. This is most notable in the green field where the variation in color intensity creates striation which, in turn, enhances the artistic quality. The hook-shaped motifs in the field can be interpreted as letters in the Armenian alphabet. The corner drawings in this rug appear to be vases containing floral arrangements. Two of these vases illustrate drawings of some type of fowl.