Rare Antique Lesghi Runner

19th century

Sold by Farnham Antique Carpets

Description

The Lesghian's were the largest ethnic group in Dagestan, this fascinating tribe were known to be quite ruthless. With all men having shaved heads, and born to fight, this was a tribe of warriors. Whilst the men were out at war, the women of the tribe looked after the children and knotted beautiful rugs and runners. Producing beautiful examples such as this early antique Lesghi runner, dating from the late 19th century.

Their design of "Lesghi Stars" is very famous, this large star design running down the centre of the runner is their trademark pattern, with their neighbours in Shirvan borrowing the Stars for their weavings but they could not compete with the Lesghians in the clarity of the pattern. Amazing natural dyes, with glorious greens, reds and pale blues, the off-white natural wool in the main border lifts the whole composition. Corrosion to the black dyes due to the iron properties of the wool give an embossed effect.

A truly stunning tribal runner from the Caucasus, over 140 years old and in impeccable condition. We can even see the original knotted ends in tact at the starting end, the other end would not have had the same knotting as they would have just cut it off the loom when finished.

We welcome hearing from you and arranging a home visit or requesting a visit to our showroom to see this rare example of tribal weaving up close.

Physical Dimensions

Height

255cm (100.39")

Width

82cm (32.28")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Farnham Antique Carpets has dated this piece to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA902204

Dealers Internal Reference

10240

Dealers Notes

Farnham Antique Carpets are specialists in antique decorative carpets, rugs and runners. Varying from antique tribal rugs woven in the Caucasus to classical Persian carpets dating from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century.

As members of the BADA - The British Antique Dealers Association and LAPADA - The Association of Art & Antique Dealers we adhere to strict guide lines as affiliated members and pride ourselves on maintaining its high standards. We exhibit at the BADA fair in Chelsea, London every March and the LAPADA Fair in Mayfair, London every September.

Description

The Lesghian's were the largest ethnic group in Dagestan, this fascinating tribe were known to be quite ruthless. With all men having shaved heads, and born to fight, this was a tribe of warriors.

“

Whilst the men were out at war, the women of the tribe looked after the children and knotted beautiful rugs and runners.

Farnham Antique Carpets

Producing beautiful examples such as this early antique Lesghi runner, dating from the late 19th century.

fig 1. Rare Antique Lesghi runner — fig 1. Rare Antique Lesghi Runner

Their design of "Lesghi Stars" is very famous, this large star design running down the centre of the runner is their trademark pattern, with their neighbours in Shirvan borrowing the Stars for their weavings but they could not compete with the Lesghians in the clarity of the pattern. Amazing natural dyes, with glorious greens, reds and pale blues, the off-white natural wool in the main border lifts the whole composition. Corrosion to the black dyes due to the iron properties of the wool give an embossed effect.

fig 2. Rare Antique Lesghi runner — fig 2. Rare Antique Lesghi Runner

A truly stunning tribal runner from the Caucasus, over 140 years old and in impeccable condition. We can even see the original knotted ends in tact at the starting end, the other end would not have had the same knotting as they would have just cut it off the loom when finished.

We welcome hearing from you and arranging a home visit or requesting a visit to our showroom to see this rare example of tribal weaving up close.