Where were these rugs made?

These textiles were produced by tribal weavers across the Caucasus region, encompassing areas that bridge Europe and Asia. Specific valleys and villages developed distinct design vocabularies that help identify their geographic origins today. Local materials and regional weaving traditions dictated whether a workshop favoured hooked medallions, prayer niches, or large animal motifs.

How do I care for an antique wool rug?

Maintenance requires gentle vacuuming without a rotating beater bar and prompt attention to spills using mild, non-alkaline cleaners. Keeping the textile out of direct, harsh sunlight preserves the stability of the natural dyes. Professional cleaning tailored to antique pile rugs ensures the wool and foundational cotton remain undamaged over decades of use.

What is a prayer niche?

A prayer niche is an architectural arch depicted at one end of a rug to signify a sacred space. Weavers incorporated this mihrab shape to guide the orientation of the textile during personal use. Over time, these niches evolved into distinct decorative hallmarks within specific Caucasian sub-types like Fachralo and Karachov formats.

How can I tell regional styles apart?

Different Caucasian regions utilised characteristic colour combinations and specific geometric arrangements to signal their origin. For instance, Karachov types often feature large central square blocks, while Moghan rugs favour hooked repeating medallions. Examining the border patterns, secondary motifs, and structural density provides further clues to a piece's specific provenance.