Where were these rugs made?

These textiles originate from the mountainous Caucasus region situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Individual valleys and village centres developed distinct weaving dialects. Specific towns and districts such as Kazak, Shirvan, Kuba, and Daghestan lent their names to specific design groups and structural methods.

How do I identify a Kazak rug?

A Kazak rug is recognised by its bold, large-scale geometric medallions, octagons, and animal figures rendered in deep reds, blues, and ivory. The pile is generally thick and the wool possesses a lustrous handle. These pieces display an energetic asymmetry and robust proportions that set them apart from finer urban Persian workshops.

How do I care for an old wool rug?

Protect antique wool textiles by vacuuming gently without a rotating brush roll to prevent pulling the hand-spun pile. Rotating the placement periodically ensures even exposure to foot traffic and light. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended to maintain natural dye stability and fibre integrity over decades of use.

What is a Sumak weave?

A Sumak weave is a flat-faced technique where coloured weft threads wrap horizontally across vertical warps. This produces a textured surface with exposed floats on the reverse side. The resulting textile offers exceptional durability and crisp graphic definition without utilising a traditional cut pile.