EAST CAUCASUS, MID 19TH CENTURY

The Harshang design proved to be very popular throughout the late 17th and 18th centuries and was not only adopted by regions in North West Persia but was as equally popular across the border in the Caucasus. It would seem that the design was first used in the city of Herat in the Khorasan region but, in origin, ultimately derives from the Isfahan "in and out palmette" design carpets such as lot 205 in the present sale. In the Kuba district, the popularity of the design continued into the 19th century. Although it was often formalised into a vertically symmetrical design, the non-uniform composition of the present lot only adds to its provincial charm. The colour palette of the present rug is wonderfully varied and vivid and the inclusion of various animals and animated figures adds further charm and unique character. A closely comparable example, but with a different main border design, sold in Sotheby’s, London, 12 October 2005, lot 69.