Late 19th Century Caucasian Sumak Rug - 4′ × 5′10″

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Now, this is an exceptional example of Caucasian tribal weaving — a late 19th-century Quba Dragon Sumak, originating from the … Read more Now, this is an exceptional example of Caucasian tribal weaving — a late 19th-century Quba Dragon Sumak, originating from the northeastern mountains of Azerbaijan, in the region known as Quba. It measures just under 4 by 6 feet, and every inch of it tells a story.

You see that rich ruby red field — not just a color, but a canvas. Woven in the sumak technique — a type of flatweave that mimics embroidery — this rug features the rare and powerful dragon motif, a symbol of protection, strength, and mythic guardianship in the Caucasus weaving tradition.

These "dragons" aren’t literal, of course — they’re rendered in a stylized, totemic form, appearing almost epic, with interlocking limbs, serrated curves, and flanking ram’s horns, starbursts, and other ancestral figures. These motifs feel almost animated across the field.

The palette is striking — ruby red contrasted by greens, ivory, yellow, and navy. All dyed from natural vegetable sources, giving each tone a depth that only age can mellow into brilliance. The abrash, or color shifts in the wool, speak to the rug’s handspun origins and long life.

Structurally, it’s strong — wool foundation, tight sumak weave, and unusually asymmetric design that gives the piece an almost improvisational character. This wasn’t woven by rote — it was composed, line by line, by someone with both intuition and cultural memory.

Quba Sumaks of this age and with this dragon motif are very rare, especially in this smaller format. Traditionally, these rugs were made for dowry purposes, or reserved for special family spaces — rarely traded outside the village. To find one intact today is to find a relic with a soul.

Whether you’re a collector or a homeowner looking for something rich in meaning and visual energy, this rug holds its ground. It commands attention but doesn’t overwhelm — instead, it invites conversation. A true museum-caliber textile, ready to live another life.”

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