Old Shirvan | 260 x 102 cm | Nr. 20439

Geometric old Schirwan runner, dark brown with an allover pattern, central medallion and border

Origin	Russia
Dimensions	260 cm x 102 cm (= 2.65 m²)
Construction	hand-knotted
Material	Pile: wool Weft & Warp: wool
knots per m²2	90.000
Pile height	3mm
Year of manufacture	1930
Colour	Dark brown, Beige
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

Origin

Shirvan (also Schirwan) rugs are knotted by hand in the eastern Caucasus, in the Shirvan region. Shirvan rugs are knotted from exceptionally fine wool and have a low pile. Old Shirvans are greatly valued and highly rated among collectors in Europe. They not infrequently reach a knot count of up to 300,000 knots per m².

The wide border is characteristic of Shirvan rugs. One broad main stripe is framed by 2 – 6 guard stripes. The field is often governed by imaginative geometric patterns. In terms of colour, these rugs are frequently knotted in blue, but also in red and ivory. The many-coloured patterns result in a subtle and varied palette. This old Shirvan is around 90 years old and a true collector's piece.

Pattern

The abstract, geometric composition is what gives this Shirvan its understated elegance. The pattern flatters the design of the room and never draws attention away from the furniture, the décor and the architectural features. It creates a pleasant atmosphere without dominating the style of the room.

The edge of the rug is graced by a surround (border). The border forms a wonderful contrast to the centre.

The recurring pattern (known as a repeat pattern) flatters the design of a room and doesn't draw attention away from the furniture, the décor and the architectural features. It creates a pleasant atmosphere without dominating the style of the room. In this Schirwan, the repeating elements find their centre in the middle of the field, in the symmetrical medallion.

The ground of this Schirwan is dark blue. Dark brown and beige also dominate the overall impression. The border is worked in dark blue, beige and dark brown. In the beige centre, dark brown and light red are combined.

Condition

You aren't the first to take a liking to this Schirwan. It has had owners before you who valued it and lived with it. It was hand-knotted around 1930. It has been thoroughly cleaned and is in good, though unrestored, condition. Over the years the pile has become a little thinner in places. The fringes & edges are also in need of repair. We haven't restored this Schirwan, because we think it has a special charm exactly as it is. If you would like us to, we'll of course be glad to restore the rug for you. Either way, this Schirwan will give you pleasure for decades to come.

Material

The pile of this Schirwan was hand-knotted from high-quality new wool. New wool is obtained by gently shearing sheep. New wool is a renewable, natural raw material with a whole range of impressive qualities: thanks to the natural lanolin in the wool, the surface repels droplets of water and is therefore naturally protected against dirt. Wool also offers excellent thermal insulation, helps regulate the indoor climate and dampens sound. The foundation (weft and warp threads) of this Schirwan is made of new wool.