1960s Azerbaijani Shirvan/Quba Kilim

Details

Description

A large handwoven Azerbaijani flatweave kilim from the Shirvan–Quba region, executed in the distinctive panel-grid “stylized bird” design. The composition … Read more A large handwoven Azerbaijani flatweave kilim from the Shirvan–Quba region, executed in the distinctive panel-grid “stylized bird” design. The composition features alternating squares filled with zoomorphic and geometric motifs rendered in a vivid mid-century Caucasian palette of red, yellow, green, ivory, pink, and blue. Kilims of this type were produced either in village workshops or under the Azerkhalcha state cooperative, reflecting traditional Shirvan weaving aesthetics preserved during the Soviet period.

Date: Circa 1965–1985
Dimensions: 116 × 82 in (295 × 208 cm)
Technique: Flatwoven tapestry (kilim)
Materials:
• Warp: Cotton
• Weft: Wool
Dyes: Mixed natural and mid-century synthetic dyes
Structure: Interlocking wefts visible on reverse; no pile
Design Type: Compartmented stylized bird panels with zoomorphic border

This kilim features the classic modular design associated with the Shirvan and Quba weaving districts:
• A full-field grid of rectangular compartments, each containing stylized birds, quadrupeds, and symbolic fertility motifs.
• Borders decorated with small animals, rosettes, and alternating abstract floral forms typical of village kilim traditions.
• A signature Caucasian mid-century palette dominated by crimson, gold, green, pink, ivory, and blue, showing both vegetal-derived dyes and stable synthetic additions.
This pattern is iconic within Azerbaijani textile heritage and remains highly collectible in larger sizes such as yours.

During the mid-20th century, Azerbaijan maintained a strong weaving tradition despite centralized Soviet artistic policies. Many traditional patterns — especially Shirvan bird-panel kilims — were revived and standardized, often under the Azerkhalcha cooperative established in the 1960s. Rugs from this period have since become increasingly appreciated for their cultural continuity, decorative appeal, and strong craftsmanship. See less