Antique Azerbaijan Caucasian Rug from Transcaucasus, 17th century - Silk embroideries of this kind are highly prized by collectors of Early Caucasian rugs and textiles. Not only are they exquisitely beautiful in design, color, and execution; they also appear to have originated many of the designs utilized in later Caucasian village rugs and carpets. This one consists of a central eight-pointed star medallion sprouting diagonal rams horns and palmettes, and two large floral finials above and below. These seem to be geometric translations of classical Persian floral patterns. The remaining areas of the deep blue ground are tightly packed with smaller space-fillers of stylized floral or possibly animal form. In time the patterns on this embroidery would give rise to the Alpan, Zeichur, Perepedil, and Lori Pambak Caucasian rugs of the nineteenth century.
