19th Century Antique Lesghi Caucasian Rug

About the Item

Lesghi – Dagestan, Northeast Caucasus This vibrant rug features the familiar lesghi stars – the geometric figure identifying this Caucasian group. In an extensive field of red jasper, five star-shaped figures float amidst a cosmos of geometric symbols and human and animal figures. Although there are signs of time scattered across the carpet, this ancient piece expresses the artistic, enigmatic and archetypal origins of the Lesghi ethnic group. Lesghi is a district in Dagestan, northeast of the Caucasus region. Its predominant population is Lesghi, and the rugs it produces have been on the ancient rug market since the 19th century. Lesghi rugs have a geometric design; most feature one or more medallions in the central field. The main design is a large eight-point star that can appear directly on the field or inside a rectangle. Stars are usually presented in alternating colours. This star-shaped geometric pattern is known as the design or Lesghi rug in the rug market. The margins are made with designs of tulips or other flowers, vines with plants, stars or other Caucasian geometric motifs. The central area of the rug uses blue, red, gold, or ivory colours, which alternate with the leading border. Additionally, yellow, light blue, cinnamon, green, brown, and black are used in the smaller borders and other geometric elements scattered throughout the rug. While there is consensus that the geometric pattern of the Lesghi stars originated in Dagestan, this same pattern appears on the Caucasian Kuba and Dagestan rugs.

Dimensions:

Width: 51.19 in (130 cm)Length: 88.59 in (225 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Wool,Hand-Knotted

Place of Origin:

Caucasus

Period:

Late 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

Circa 1875

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Reduced ends.