Rug And MoreTea

Gharabagh, 80 Years Old, 165*100 cm

This is a striking example of Caucasian tribal weaving from the historic Gharabagh (Karabagh) region. At 165 x 100 cm, it is a versatile runner or small-area rug. The design is a classic “medallion” layout with a strong, geometric tribal aesthetic.

The design layout is a “Medallion and Corner” style, featuring two large, interconnected stepped lobed medallions that dominate the center of the field. These medallions have jagged, latch-hook edges and are filled with an intricate geometric lattice in brown and light blue. The top section of the field features a horizontal row of eight-pointed stars in blue and yellow. The rug is framed by a wide, cream main border that features a repeating “linked star” or “cross” pattern, where geometric stars in brown are connected by straight, intersecting lines, creating a continuous, fence-like lattice. The inner and outer guard borders feature a repeating “stepped chevron” or “zigzag” pattern in blue and brown.

This rug features a cool, muted, and sophisticated palette that appears aged and mellow. The primary field is a deep, brick red or rusty maroon, which is framed by large, geometric blocks of slate blue or grey-blue at the center and lower sections. The repeating lattice inside the field is woven in chocolate brown and charcoal, with highlights in light blue and cream. The wide main border features a cream/ivory ground, providing a crisp, luminous contrast to the dark interior. Accents of golden yellow and soft pink appear in the small floral motifs at the top of the field. The entire rug has a gentle abrash, giving it a soft, weathered patina.

The corner spandrels (the triangular sections at the corners) are woven in a beautiful, cool faded teal or slate blue, which provides a stunning complementary contrast to the red field. The wide main border features a cream or ivoryground, which crisply frames the interior. Accents of mustard yellow, light blue, and charcoal blackare used to outline the motifs, giving them sharp definition.
The stepped, lobed medallions represent the sun or the moon, symbolizing light and divine guidance, with their jagged edges acting as protective latch-hooks to ward off the evil eye. The eight-pointed stars at the top represent light, the four directions of the wind, and cosmic balance. The linked star border is a classic tribal motif representing eternity and the interconnectedness of all things, forming an impenetrable protective fence around the central field. The stepped chevron guard borders represent flowing water, a symbol of life and purity.
Provenance: Authentic antique Gharabagh (Karabagh) rug from the South Caucasus.
Age & Size: 80 years old; 165 x 100 cm (5’5″ x 3’3″) – ideal for a hallway, entryway, or small sitting area.
Material: 100% hand-spun sheep’s wool with natural, organic dyes.
Colors: Warm terracotta red field, slate grey/charcoal medallion, faded teal corner spandrels, and an ivory main border.
Pattern: Classic “Medallion and Corner” layout featuring a massive, lobed, stepped central medallion and large triangular corner pieces.
Motifs: Eight-pointed stars (divine guidance), linked geometric crosses in the border (eternity), and jagged latch-hooks (protection from the Evil Eye).
Condition: Excellent antique condition; even, low pile; secure edges; full fringes; beautiful natural abrash.
Versatility: Perfect for floor use in low-traffic areas or as a striking wall tapestry. Its geometric aesthetic blends beautifully with modern, rustic, or traditional décor.