This antique Caucasian Kazak runner, woven in the fourth quarter of the 19th century, carries an allover paisley — or boteh — pattern in a palette of natural reds, greens, blues, and yellows that have mellowed over more than a century into the complex, nuanced tones that only genuine vegetable-dyed mountain wool achieves. The worn condition of this piece, far from diminishing its appeal, enhances it — the naturally distressed surface carries the patina of authentic age, each area of wear a testament to the long history the rug has witnessed.
Kazak rugs, woven by village artisans in the mountainous region of the South Caucasus — encompassing present-day Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia — are among the most boldly designed and vibrantly colored tribal rugs in the world. Their large-format geometric medallions, brilliant vegetable-dyed palette, and the thick, lustrous pile made from high-altitude mountain wool have made them enduringly sought after by collectors and interior designers who prize authenticity, energy, and the beauty of genuine handcraft.
Dimensions: 3' 2" x 9' 2"
Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1800s
Place of Origin: Caucasus
Material: Wool pile on a wool foundation with natural vegetable dyes
