Kazak rug, cloud band

Kazak rug, Cloud band or Chondorezk

from the southern Caucasus

circa 1880

Size: 222 x 138 cm

The Caucasus is a melting pot of different tribal and ethnic groups. Prominent amongst the rug weavers are the Azeri Turks, the Armenians, the Kurds and the Talish.

With its long pile and relatively coarse knotting, this so-called Kazak rug is typical of most weaving in southern Caucasus. It displays one of the classic 19th century Kazak or Karabagh designs, known variously as a chondorezk (possibly the name of a village where such rugs were woven) or, more graphically, as a cloud band Kazak making reference to the chinese cloud motifs in the central medallions.

Like the very best of Caucasian rugs it is bold and vibrant featuring charmingly stylized animal and human forms as minor motifs.