Lot: 157
Moghan
175 x 165 cm (5' 9" x 5' 5")
Caucasus, mid 19th century
Condition: good, scattered low pile, both sides and ends damaged, minimal small moth damage, signs of use
Warp: wool, weft: wool, pile: wool
The rugs of the Moghan region in the southeastern Caucasus are among the most characteristic examples of 19th-century Caucasian weaving. They are distinguished by their strictly geometric designs, powerful colors, and clearly structured compositions.
The present example is particularly remarkable for its unusual, almost square format and the symmetrical arrangement of twelve large octagonal medallions in four rows of three. Against a deep indigo-blue ground, brick-red and ivory-colored octagons alternate, each containing bold, hooked ornaments reminiscent of the so-called Memling güls. Small diamond-shaped motifs decorated with stars fill the spaces between the medallions, adding further vitality to the com-position.
Particularly appealing is the wide ivory-colored main border, featuring large, multicolored dou-ble-hook motifs that create a striking contrast with the strictly organized central field. The har-monious palette of rich brick red, deep indigo, and various shades of blue and green enhances the exceptional visual impact of this rug.
Especially noteworthy is the rare, almost square format with three columns of medallions, whereas comparable Moghan rugs were generally woven as elongated runners with only two columns. A related example is illustrated in Eberhart Herrmann, Asiatische Teppich- und Tex-tilkunst, Munich 1991, p. 33, fig. 12. Further comparisons can be found in Ulrich Schürmann, Caucasian Rugs, pl. 59, and Peter Bausback, Antike Orientalische Knüpfkunst, Mannheim 1976, p. 112.
The archaic character of its ornamentation, exceptionally beautiful colors, and balanced compo-sition make this Moghan a particularly attractive example of 19th-century Caucasian weaving.
Estimate: € 3000 - 4000
1 500 €