Amazing antique Shashavan rug with exquisite colours and a large scale Mina-Khani design.  This design is often seen on antique rugs and carpets from the Caucasus such as Karabagh or even from Persian Bidjar rugs. These tribal weavers from the North-East Persia reside in the mountainous area.  This area was home to a smaller group of tribal weavers and these diverse weavings were based on vivid geometric designs.  The S shaped border design is wonderfully executed and this symbol is often used to represent the sun.This amazing piece was woven in the mid to 19th century, condition is good, with a soft wool pile on this tribal piece.  Some areas of old restoration, but the majority is in fantastic original condition.Shashavan rugs are sometimes known as Southern Caucasian rugs but maybe this is due to their close proximity to the Caucasus.  Historians claim the Shah Abbas Safavid (1587-1629) formed this tribe to defend western frontiers against Turkish tribes, hence how the Shah ...