One-of-a-kind

Antique Shirvan ca. 1900Hand KnottedRug

Black / Brown115 x 170 cm

The Shirvan region, located in the modern-day Middle East, has long been celebrated as one of the most important weaving centres in the Caucasus. Historically, these rugs were produced by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes who translated the harsh beauty of their mountain landscapes into intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colour palettes.

Shirvan rugs are particularly prized for their artistic freedom and the use of wool that is naturally rich in lanolin, which gives the pile a soft, lustrous sheen. The traditional craft relies on a double-weft technique, which results in a flatter, more compact construction that is both incredibly durable and capable of holding fine, crisp details in the design.

The visual language of this piece is classic for the region, featuring a central field filled with structured, repeating geometric motifs enclosed by a robust, highly decorative border. The combination of the deep red field with contrasting accents is a traditional hallmark, though the specific arrangement of these symbols often held protective or tribal meanings that were unique to the weaver's family.

Collectors value Shirvan rugs for their authenticity and the way they bridge the gap between folk art and sophisticated interior design. By bringing this antique into your home, you are not just acquiring a floor covering but a piece of cultural heritage that represents a centuries-old tradition of skill, patience, and visual storytelling.

This rug is entirely hand-knotted, a process that requires immense patience and a high level of skill passed down through generations. The base is constructed with a durable cotton foundation that provides the necessary tension to hold the wool pile securely in place, ensuring the rug remains stable and resilient over decades of use.

With a density of 250,000 knots per m2, the sheer amount of human effort embedded in this piece is staggering. For a rug of this size, such a high knot count translates to months of focused, repetitive work by a master artisan who must maintain consistent tension and precision to achieve the sharpness of the geometric motifs seen throughout the field.

The density of the construction is further evidenced by its weight of 5.5 kg, which confirms the generous use of high-quality materials. This weight is a hallmark of superior craft, indicating a dense, tight weave that resists wear and compression, allowing the rug to maintain its form and beauty even after more than a century of existence.