19th-Century Red Rug with Multiple Borders, 1870s

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These rugs are knotted by the Borciali Cossacks in the village of Bordjalou, south of Tiflis. They are distinguished by … Read more These rugs are knotted by the Borciali Cossacks in the village of Bordjalou, south of Tiflis. They are distinguished by designs that are predominantly geometrical, such as aligned-pointed lozenges, hooked hexagons inscribed in each other and central fields with polygons. Features are the very large edges that occupy a large part of the surface of the rug. Our specimen is characterized by four central elements that recall the stylization of the crab: strong zoomorphic element that is an expression of protection, in particular because of its hard shell. Other symbolic aspects derive from his way of walking backwards and sideways and from the intrinsic ability to periodically renew his carapace. The border is characterized by the "medachyl" motif with alternating white and red tips, which we find in many Caucasian rugs. See less