Antique Kazak | 212 x 178 cm | Nr. 9791

Geometric antique Kazak, all-over light red pattern with central medallion and border

Origin	Russia
Dimensions	212 cm x 178 cm (= 3.77 m²)
Construction	hand-knotted
Material	Pile: wool Weft & Warp: wool
knots per m²2	150.000
Pile height	8mm
Year of manufacture	1910
Colour	Light red, Beige
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

 

Origin

Kazak rugs (also spelled Kasak) belong to the group of Caucasian rugs. Rugs have been made in the Caucasus since the end of the 18th century. Their hallmark is the abstract geometric tribal patterning in primary colours. The geometric motifs — and, more rarely, floral ones — are typically rendered in intense, high-contrast colours. In the 19th century a considerable share of these rugs, produced mainly in villages, was exported to the West under Russian control. This antique Kazak is a collector's piece. It is around 110 years old, and that alone makes it a truly special piece. Antique rugs like this Kazak are as sought after as ever and fetch top prices at renowned auction houses.

 

Pattern

The abstract, geometric composition is what gives this Kazak its understated elegance. The pattern flatters the design of a room and never draws attention away from the furniture, the decoration or the architectural features. It settles beautifully into any setting and complements the furnishings of a room in a subtle way.

The decorated surround (border) forms a beautiful contrast to the centre and shapes the transition at the edge of the rug.

The surface of this Kazak has a mottled look. The shifts in tone and the light-and-dark shading of the pile yarn make the colours shimmer and keep the rug forgiving of dirt. These colour shifts, known as abrash, give the rug a livelier character. The mottling comes about because the wool of this Kazak was hand-spun. During dyeing, the natural pigments are taken up to differing degrees.

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 Kazak, the repeating elements find their centre in the middle of the field, in the symmetrical medallion.

The background of this Kazak is light red. The border is worked in beige, dark blue and gold. In the dark blue centre, light red and beige are combined.

 

Condition

You're not the first to take a liking to this Kazak. It has had owners before you who valued and used it. It was hand-knotted around 1910. It has been thoroughly cleaned and is in good but unrestored condition. The pile has grown a little thinner over the years. The fringes have also suffered quite a bit and could do with a repair. Parts of the border are missing on both sides. We have not restored this Kazak because we feel it has a special charm just as it is. If that's what you'd like, we'll of course gladly restore the rug for you. Either way, this Kazak will give you pleasure for decades to come.

 

Material

The pile of this Kazak 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 number 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 provides excellent thermal insulation, helps regulate the indoor climate and dampens sound. The foundation (weft and warp threads) of this Kazak is made of new wool.