Antique Kuba Schirwan | 177 x 138 cm | Nr. Z-3348

Geometric antique Kuba Schirwan, beige with border

Origin

Kuba Schirwan rugs (also Kuba Shirvan) are hand-knotted in and around the Azerbaijani town of Kuba (also Quba) in the eastern Caucasus, in the Schirwan region. So the name Kuba has nothing to do with the country Cuba, as one might assume. Schirwan rugs are knotted from exceptionally fine wool and have a low pile. Old Schirwans are greatly prized and highly valued among collectors in Europe. Not infrequently they reach a knot count of up to 300,000 knots per m².

Characteristic of Kuba Schirwan is the imaginative geometric pattern with star, cross or almond motifs. The field of Kuba Schirwan rugs is typically framed by a wide border. A broad main stripe is framed by 2 – 6 secondary stripes. Kuba Schirwan rugs also feature the typical Schirwan band. Because of its resemblance to Kufic script, the Schirwan band is also called the Kufic band; it consists of squares that are in turn formed from double hooks. In terms of colour, these rugs are often knotted in blue, but also in red and ivory. This antique Kuba Schirwan is a collector's item. It is around 110 years old, which alone makes it a truly special piece. Antique rugs like this Kuba Schirwan are as sought after as ever and fetch top prices at renowned auction houses. This enchanting piece is a Kuba Seichur rug.

Pattern

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

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

The background of this Kuba Schirwan is beige. The border is worked in light red, beige and dark blue.

Condition

This Kuba Schirwan has had admirers before you. It was hand-knotted around 1910. It has been thoroughly cleaned and is in good but unrestored condition. The pile is heavily worn. The edges are damaged in places. The fringes could do with a repair. Parts of the border are missing on both sides. We have not restored this Kuba Schirwan, because we feel it has a particular presence just as it is. If you would like us to, we will of course be happy to restore the rug for you. Either way, this Kuba Schirwan will give you pleasure for decades to come.

Material

The pile of this Kuba 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 number of impressive properties: thanks to the natural lanolin content of 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 Kuba Schirwan is made of new wool.