Antique Caucasian Kazak Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool, Sky Blue Medallion (143 x 90 cm)

This authentic hand-knotted Caucasian village rug captures the bold geometry and jewel-tone palette for which Kazak-group weavings from the South Caucasus are celebrated. A snow-ivory hexagonal medallion floats in a sky-blue lozenge field set within deep madder red spandrels. The wide saffron main border is packed with protective ram’s-horn and chalice rosettes—classic tribal emblems that signal strength, prosperity, and blessing.

Compact yet dramatic, it’s a statement piece for an entry, reading nook, or layered under a coffee table.

Woven by a village atelier in the mid-20th century (c. 1940s–1960s), the rug shows the hallmarks of the Kazak tradition: robust hand-spun mountain wool, saturated natural dyes (indigo blues, madder reds, walnut/plant-dyed yellows), and the use of the symmetrical (Ghiordes) knot on a wool foundation. The crisp latch-hooks, cruciform guls, and serrated outlines speak to a design vocabulary shared across the Transcaucasus, where geometry and symbolism are passed from master to apprentice on the loom rather than on paper.

Details & Cultural Notes

Weaving tradition: South Caucasus, Kazak/Karabagh group. Symmetrical (Ghiordes) knotting is visible on the back; pile shows the stout, springy handle typical of the region.

Motifs: Central hexagonal medallion with hooked corners; ram’s-horn (koçboynuzu) devices for protection and vitality; tiny cruciform blossoms and four-dot rosettes for fertility; zigzag “water & wave” guards symbolizing life’s flow.

Palette: Indigo-based sky blue, madder red, mustard/saffron yellow, ivory, moss and midnight accents—dyestuffs consistent with natural/vegetal recipes used by Caucasian workshops of the period.

Layout (naqsha): Medallion-in-lozenge composition framed by a powerful, talismanic border system; minor borders echo the field’s zigzag and bead-stripe guards to tie the composition together.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions: 143 × 90 cm (≈ 4'8" × 2'11")

Origin: South Caucasus (Kazak/Karabagh weaving area)

Date: Vintage, circa 1940s–1960s

Construction: Hand-knotted; symmetrical/Ghiordes knots

Foundation: Wool warp and weft

Pile: Hand-spun sheep’s wool

Estimated density: ~70–90 KPSI (110–140 knots per sq. inch counted open-back)

Pile height & handle: Low-to-medium pile (approx. 4–6 mm); sturdy, pliable handle

Dyes: Natural/vegetal palette (indigo, madder, walnut/plant yellows) with undyed ivory

Condition: Very good vintage. Even pile with light age patina, secure selvedges, minor curl and localized fringe shortening at ends—no structural issues, holes, or obvious repairs. Professionally cleaned and ready to use.

Features

Museum-worthy Caucasian graphics in a versatile small room size

Rare sky-blue lozenge field that reads luminous in natural light

Powerful ram’s-horn and zigzag guards for a protective, talismanic presence

100% wool on wool—warm underfoot, naturally stain-resistant, and long-wearing

Ethically sourced vintage textile with authentic hand-made character

Care Instructions

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slip and reduce wear

Vacuum weekly with suction-only (no beater bar); vacuum the back seasonally

Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear and fading

Blot spills immediately with a dry, white cloth; for stains use a wool-safe solution

Avoid prolonged direct sun; consider UV shades if needed

For deep cleaning, entrust to a professional hand-wash rug atelier

Bring home a slice of Caucasian weaving heritage—bold color, timeless geometry, and protective symbols distilled into a perfectly sized, durable vintage rug.