Lot 152

KAZAK BORDZALOU RUG

This apparently Armenian work seemingly lacks the finesse of the more elaborate compositions of many other geometric Kazaks, and one can therefore conclude that rather than being made for export, this in many ways much simpler piece was made for domestic use only. The design is strictly geometric and is dominated throughout by the so-called protective hooks and ram's horns, while the four large diamond-shaped ornaments always contain a central motif, known as the 'scorpion' or 'tarantula', the meaning of which is still debated today; its function in the composition, however, is clearly intended as a positive protective symbol, intended to bring good luck. Noteworthy are the blue and white stylisations of broad dragons, as if lurking in a red field, a very abstract and old stylisation of dragons in the Caucasian environment. The natural colours and the alternation of different shades only increase the overall impression of unease from the central field, but artfully anchored by the symmetrical striped red and white bands and especially the pale blue border, which brings an unexpected harmony to the whole. Professionally cleaned on both sides.