Caucasian Soumak 1645

Late 19th Century Antique Caucasian Soumak Flatweave Rug, meticulously hand-woven in the Southern Caucasus region. This piece is a true masterpiece of village weaving, renowned for its robust construction and captivating aesthetic.

This Soumak rug features a compelling composition of three prominent main medallions, each intricately detailed and anchoring the design across its field. The true magic of this piece lies in the natural vegetable dyes used by its original artisans. Over more than a century, these dyes have matured beautifully, developing a rich and variegated palette of earthy and vibrant hues that are unique to this age-old tradition.

Soumak (also spelled Sumak, Sumac, or Soumac) is a highly specialized and strong tapestry weaving technique, distinct from other flatweaves like kilim. It results in a textile that is both incredibly durable and highly decorative, historically used for both floor coverings and domestic bags. Unlike kilim, which is soft on both sides and features slits where colors meet, Soumak produces a smooth, elegant front face with a slightly more rugged, shaggy back. This unique texture is achieved by wrapping colored supplementary weft threads over and under the warp threads continuously, building an embroidery-like pattern that adds remarkable strength and visual depth.

Dimensions:  5’ 4” x 6’ 8”

Date of Manufacture:  4th Quarter of the 1800s

Place of Origin:  Caucasus

Material:  Wool pile on a wool foundation

Condition:  Wear consistent with age and use

SKU: 1645

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