Antique Caucasian Shirvan Akstafa Rug, Ca 1890

A rare and prized Shirvan Akstafa rug that is visually stunning and highly expressive with a very distinct tribal and historic character. What distinguishes the style of an Akstafa is its rendering of the very special symbol of ‘peacocks’, which occupy a predominant space in this beautiful rug too as three separate sets of pairs turned towards each other. Peacock feathers can also be seen as a repeating pattern inside and outside the cross and shield style medallions. The rug’s visual language in the form of a plethora of symbolic motifs filling the entire field  is very rich and layered, telling the story of a whole way of life and cosmology in the Shirvan region of Caucasus where it comes from. The motifs include more animals such as birds, camels and horses alongside those of fertility, eye, ram’s horn and wheel of fortune.

The color palette is not varied but used to maximal effect with strong and contrasting shades of navy blue in the background, deep red, salmon pink and cream in the motifs and the border, all of which elevate the boldness and graphical impact of this unique and rare Akstafa rug.

The rug has medium wool pile on wool foundation. It is in very good condition and professionally cleaned.