How do I identify a Kuba rug?

Look for characteristic Caucasian geometric organisation, specific regional patterns like Perepedil or Karagashli, and wool construction typical of the Eastern Caucasus. Examining the weave density and palette helps distinguish these regional pieces from other Caucasian tribal rugs.

What is the difference between a rug and a soumak?

A standard rug utilises a cut wool pile knotted onto a foundation, whereas a soumak is a flatwoven textile created by wrapping threads around the warp. This structural difference gives soumak pieces a thinner, firmer handle compared to piled carpets.

How should I care for an antique textile?

Protect the piece from direct sunlight to prevent the natural wool colours from fading over time. Use a suitable underlay to reduce friction and vacuum gently without using a rotating brush bar. Professional cleaning by a specialist familiar with antique Oriental rugs remains essential for long-term maintenance.

When were these carpets made?

The surviving examples span from the eighteenth century through to the early decades of the twentieth century. The majority encountered today date from the nineteenth century, including pieces from the eighteen-eighties and eighteen-nineties. Dated inscriptions occasionally appear on specific examples, confirming their exact period of manufacture.