Antique Moghan Rug, South Caucasus, Circa 1880

This compelling Antique Moghan (Mugan) Runner Rug is a robust and geometrically distinct tribal textile from the South Caucasus, dating to circa 1880. Measuring 122 x 249 cm (approx. 4'0" x 8'2"), its elongated format and powerful, repetitive design make it an excellent choice for a hallway, gallery, or sophisticated living area.
The central field features a vertical column of alternating and interconnected octagonal (eight-sided) medallions. These monumental guls are rendered in striking, clearly defined blocks of color—including ivory, deep madder red, navy blue, and rich green—and are intricately detailed with internal geometric crosses and star motifs. The Moghan tradition is often characterized by this rhythmic, alternating geometric structure, which utilizes both the primary field and the medallions to create a complex visual lattice.
The composition is framed by an elaborate border system. The wide main border, set against a cream ground, features repetitive geometric guls and stylized floral elements, providing strong textural and color contrast to the central column. Woven from durable, high-quality hand-spun wool with a characteristically thick, plush pile, and colored exclusively with deep, saturated natural dyes, this rug embodies the primitive strength and artistic integrity of 19th-century Moghan weaving.
Key Features Style: Caucasian Moghan (Mugan / Octagonal Medallion Runner) Dating: Circa 1880 (Late 19th Century) Material: 100% Hand-Spun Wool Pile Construction: Hand-Knotted (Thick, Robust Pile) Origin: South Caucasus (Moghan/Mugan Region) Colors: Deep Navy Blue, Madder Red, Cream/Ivory, Forest Green, Yellow Design: Vertical Column of Alternating Octagonal Medallions, Geometric Cross and Star Motifs, Repetitive Geometric Borders