Situated between the Caspian and Black Seas, the Caucasus region encompasses modern-day Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and southern Russia. For many centuries, this region was renowned as a center of carpet production, producing bold, brightly colored rugs inspired by diverse design traditions.
This carpet, made in the Caucasus around the turn of the 20th century, belongs to a floral design group known as “Sunburst Kazaks.” When viewed from above, the central medallion resembles a blossom – an effect achieved by mirroring the pattern across both the X and Y axes.
This carpet is distinguished by its vibrant natural colors, dynamic geometric forms and lustrous wool pile. The bold juxtaposition of reds, blues and greens gives a sense of movement, as the geometric elements appear to spring from the surface. The dense pile is achieved using symmetrical, or “Turkish,” knots on a double-wefted foundation, which enhances the saturation of color.
At the time this carpet was made, village women of the Caucasus wove Sunburst Kazaks for export, often incorporating their own unique concepts into each design. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, government-sponsored commercial workshops began producing carpets of lesser quality, often replicating these traditional designs.
Researched by Nancy Hoagland
Nancy Hoagland has been a docent with the museum since 2014. She previously taught college writing for more than 30 years. She has a collection of family textiles from Alabama and enjoys sewing and weaving.