How do I care for a historic carpet?

Vacuum gently using suction only without a rotating brush bar to protect the hand-spun wool pile. Keep the textile away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the natural dyes. Rotate the piece periodically to ensure even wear across high-traffic areas. Professional textile cleaning should happen infrequently and only by specialists familiar with historic Caucasian rugs.

Where were these carpets originally woven?

These textiles originate from the Caucasus region situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Specific towns and districts like Shirvan, Kuba, and Baku developed distinct weaving identities. Nomadic and village weavers in these mountainous areas passed down specific geometric repertoires through generations. The resulting carpets reflect the cultural intersections of Persian, Turkish, and Caucasian design traditions.

Why do colours change across the surface?

Natural dyes react to light, washing, and age through a process known as abrash. This subtle tonal variation occurs naturally as yarn batches shift slightly in shade across the woven field. Such shifts confirm the use of traditional dyeing methods rather than synthetic compounds. Collectors appreciate this characteristic for the depth and visual movement it brings to older wool.