Antique Kazak
258 cm x 160 cm
Nr. 14503

Geometric Antique Kazak, dark blue with border and diamonds

Place of origin

The Kazak (also Kasak) rugs belong to the category of Caucasian rugs. Rugs have been made in the Caucasus since the end of the 18th century. The abstract geometric tribal patterns in primary colors are characteristic of these rugs. Typically, geometric and, more rarely, floral motifs are pictured in contrasting, intense colors. In the 19th century, a considerable portion of these rugs, which were mainly produced in villages, was exported to the West under Russian control. This antique Kazak is a collector's item. It is about 130 years old and, therefore, a really special piece. Antique rugs like this Kazak are still very popular and are sold at top prices by renowned auction houses.

Patterns

The abstract, geometric composition creates the simple elegance of this Kazak. The pattern flatters the design of the room and does not take the attention away from its furniture, decoration and architectural elements. It creates a pleasant atmosphere without dominating the style of the room.

The edge of the rug is decorated with an edging (border). The border forms a beautiful contrast to the center.

In the pattern of this Kazak, the diamonds stand out in particular. Diamonds are a rhombus standing on a point, the four equal sides of which may be jagged, stitched or hooked. The diamond is one of the oldest basic forms in oriental rugs. It has a symbolic meaning in the Islamic world: it symbolizes the immortality of the soul. It is therefore very often found as a filler motif.

The background of this Kazak is dark blue. The border features beige, dark brown and yellow.

Condition

This Kazak has a story. It was hand knotted about 1890. We have cleaned it thoroughly and restored it lovingly. Therefore it is in very good condition despite its age.

Material

The technique used to produce the materials of the pile of this Kazak is over 200 years old. The wool is dyed with natural colors and spun by hand. Dyeing with natural or vegetable dyes is more complicated, expensive and time-consuming than dyeing with chemical dyes. For a bright red, for example, you would need about one kilogram of ground madder root per kilogram of wool as dye. For a strong, not too pale yellow, you would need two kilograms of the dye madder per kilogram of wool. Also spinning wool is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In addition, fewer and fewer people are able to hand spin wool.

But the effort is worth it: By dyeing with natural dyes, the high-quality wool retains its natural fat content. Wool dyed with natural colors and spun by hand creates fascinating, iridescent patterns. The charm of hand-spun wool with its slight irregularities and natural hues unfolds as a contrasting element in modern interiors, but also in rooms that are furnished in a more traditional or country house style. The backing (weft and warp threads) of this Kazak is made of virgin wool.