KUBA Caucasian Antique Rug

Originating in the lowland area of the Caucasus Mountains near the Caspian Sea, this superbly crafted Caucasian Kuba rug possesses a dynamic, celebrative presence. It was woven at a time and place where the creative spontaneity and whimsy associated with a freed artistic hand were more valued than later ever more static and symmetrical tribal weavings as the commercial period loomed. A column of four medallions occupies the center of a buoyantly glowing azure field featuring slightly “melting” abstract flowers that would catch the attention of Salvador Dali. Mesmerizing groupings of abstract tribal devices elicit a sense of energetic movement, intensified by asymmetries in their alignment and placement. The “Dragon” border is an unexpected treat, with the horizontal bands equally “compressed” and another register at the top with four “Wheels of Life” and other improvised ornaments. A robust palette of ember red, emerald, pale rose, and persimmon achieves a tremendous visual impact, animating every imaginative motif with a welcome luminescence. Further enhanced by a subtle patina, it has come to us in extremely good medium-pile condition, which is remarkable given its great age of 160 to 170 years old.