Antique Caucasian Lesghi Star Rug

Details

Description

This beautiful antique Caucasian Lesghi rug features a striking deep blue field accented by rich green, soft ivory, and rusty … Read more This beautiful antique Caucasian Lesghi rug features a striking deep blue field accented by rich green, soft ivory, and rusty red tones. The design is centered around three large, bold Lesghi star medallions, a classic and highly sought-after motif symbolizing harmony, protection, and tribal identity. Woven with fine-quality wool and excellent craftsmanship, the rug displays crisp geometry and balanced proportions characteristic of the best Lesghi weavings.

Measuring approximately 3′6″ × 5′, this piece is in excellent condition, with a tight, even pile and beautifully preserved natural dyes that have aged gracefully. The clarity of the drawing, combined with the depth of color and refined structure, makes this rug both a strong collector’s piece and a versatile decorative accent — ideal for a small room, study, entryway, or as a striking wall display.An antique Caucasian Lesghi rug is a distinctive and collectible type of tribal weaving from the Caucasus region—specifically associated with the Lesghi (or Lezgi) people, an ethnic group native to the mountainous northeastern Caucasus area (today mainly in Dagestan, Russia) and neighboring regions. These rugs are prized for their bold geometry, vivid colors, and robust tribal character, and they hold a respected place among collectors of antique Oriental rugs.

Historical & Cultural Background

Origin: Lesghi rugs come from the Caucasus, a crossroads of cultures between Europe and Asia known for richly varied weaving traditions.

Tribal Heritage: Woven by village or nomadic weavers, these pieces were traditionally functional household rugs but also reflect local aesthetics and symbolic motifs.

Age: Many authentic Lesghi rugs date from the late 19th to early 20th century, though there are both older and somewhat later examples in the antique market.

Design & Motifs

Lesghi Stars: A hallmark of this style is the multi-pointed star medallion (often eight-pointed) repeated along the center field. These star forms—sometimes called “Stars of Wisdom”—are striking and give the rug its recognizable tribal identity.

Geometric Patterns: Lesghi rugs favor bold, geometric compositions with symmetrical or repetitive motifs that are visually dynamic yet rooted in folk design.

Symbolic Motifs: Smaller tribal symbols and talismanic elements may appear alongside the stars—meant to convey protection, wisdom, or cultural meanings.

Borders: Complex guard borders often frame the field with angular motifs like “crab” designs, S-hooks, diamonds, or other geometric themes.

Color & Materials

Wool: These rugs are typically hand-knotted in sheep’s wool, both for pile and foundation, which gives them durability and warmth.

Colors: Rich natural dyes historically produced deep reds, indigo blues, golden ochres, ivory, and earthy greens. The intensity and balance of these hues are part of why collectors cherish these weavings.

Weave & Construction

Hand-Knotted: Authentic Lesghi rugs are hand-knotted pile rugs with a deliberate knot density and tribal structure typical of Caucasus weaving.

Texture & Feel: The pile can vary from medium to dense, giving the rugs a satisfying tactile quality and substantial presence underfoot.

Collectibility & Use

Collector Appeal: Because of their distinctive design, historical significance, and tribal roots, genuine antique Lesghi rugs are sought after by collectors and interior designers alike.

Versatility: They work beautifully as floor coverings in living spaces, as statement pieces in galleries, or even as stunning wall hangings. See less