Vintage Caucasian Soumak Rug, 03'10 X 06'03

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79743 Vintage Caucasian Soumak Rug, 03'10 x 06'03.

The Mountain Bestiary: A Vintage Caucasian Soumak Masterpiece of Folklore

This handwoven … Read more 79743 Vintage Caucasian Soumak Rug, 03'10 x 06'03.

The Mountain Bestiary: A Vintage Caucasian Soumak Masterpiece of Folklore

This handwoven wool vintage Caucasian Soumak rug captures the poetic spirit of the mountain cultures that flourished along the ancient trade routes of the Caucasus. Woven with extraordinary imagination, the exceptional composition reads like a visual chronicle of folklore, where every creature and symbol carries a blessing for the household. Pieces of this character are especially prized by collectors for their narrative richness and their ability to preserve the ancestral traditions of nomadic life in woven form.

Dominating the ivory field is a remarkable menagerie of gazelles, deer, stags, birds, and protective felines. The graceful gazelle symbolizes agility and the ability to thrive amid challenging landscapes, while deer embody prosperity and the promise of abundance. Majestic stags, with their branching antlers reminiscent of the iconic Tree of Life motif, express cosmic renewal and the eternal cycle of rebirth. Scattered among them are roosters, peacocks, and waterfowl representing faith, fertility, protection, and divine blessing. Small feline forms serve as guardians of the family hearth, embodying courage and vigilance.

Encircling the three dramatic medallions are angular dragon forms inherited through centuries of Silk Road exchanges. Revered as protectors of life-giving waters and guardians of sacred knowledge, these mythical beings enrich this stunning masterpiece with a sense of mystery and power. Delicate butterfly motifs symbolize transformation and happiness, while quincunx arrangements establish harmony through the balance of the four cardinal directions surrounding a central point. Throughout the field, S-hooks introduce a continuous flow of life energy, functioning as ancient talismans intended to ward off misfortune and preserve prosperity.

Framing the composition is a striking border system featuring alternating eight-point stars known as Solomon's Seal, symbols associated with spirituality, fertility, and happiness. Flanking guard borders display variations of the Elibelinde motif, the timeless Mother Goddess figure representing femininity, motherhood, and abundance. Together, these elements create a magnificent architectural enclosure around the lively field. Rich in symbolism and steeped in Caucasian heritage, this exquisite work of art offers a level of artistry and cultural depth reserved for connoisseurs who seek rarity, authenticity, and enduring beauty.

Abrash.
Handwoven wool.
Made in Caucasus Region.
Measures: 03'10 x 06'03.
Pile Height: 0.13 of an inch.
Date: 1970's. Late 20th Century. See less