Caucasian Rugs

Karabagh including Chelaberd, Shusha, Chodoresk, and Goradis.

Rugs from the region of Karabagh are typically united by the use of particular colors, including a pink/violet and shades of green and yellow. Styles are varied. The Karabagh rose carpets, with their geometric flowers arranged in garlands or bouquets and their stylized birds, and were influenced by Western design.

Chelaberd carpets are characterized by rows of medallions, usually on a red field. These medallions are cruciform polygons with extending rays. This design also is called the eagle or Adler Kazak because the form of the medallion resembles the two-headed eagle used on coats of arms.

Baku including Chila, Surahani, and Saliani.

Most rugs from the Baku area are decorated with enlarged Afshan (an arrangement with parallel rows of rosettes and branching Palmettes) or Kharshang (a complex arrangement with rows of Palmettes, diagonal rhomboidal flowers with squared stalks and a round flower resembling a toothed wheel) motifs. Typical colors are muted blues and ivory. Hila rugs, with central medallions and dense rows of Boteh, also come from this area.

Gendje including South Shirvan.

Gendje rugs are recognized for their pale colors - white, yellow, light red and blue. The designs are widely varied; a popular one includes full-field diagonal rows of small ornamental elements like Boteh or stylized flowers.

Kazak including Bordjalou, Karachov, Lambalo, Lori-Pombak, Karaklis, and Shulaver. Made in the city of Kazak and parts of the southwestern Caucasus, Kazak rugs are the most popular Caucasian rugs. These rugs are characterized by their use of a limited number of large and imposing principal decorative elements. Frequent layouts include three aligned medallions or a single, central medallion. Highly contrasting colors are used and include pale and dark reds, white, vivid blue and bottle green.

Karabagh, Baku, and Adler Kazak