Shirvan is a region of Eastern Transcaucasia, the Azerbaijan Republic. Iran in the south, Armenia in the west, and Daghestan of Russia in the north surround Shirvan. This area has one the finest Azerbaijani rugs that have familiar touches with the compositions of its neighbor peers. This article will tell you anything you need to know about Shirvan rug.
The confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers
The name chiefly recalls Shervanshahs. The Persianized Arabs ruled independently or as a vassal of larger empires in the eastern Caucasian region of Shirvan. That transpired from mid-ʿAbbasid times until the age of the Safavids (from 800 A.D. up to 1607 A.D.) The title itself probably dates back to pre-Islamic times. That was when Ardashir Papakan, founder of the Sasanian dynasty, bestowed it to a Caucasian vassal.
Shirvan is still there today, listening to the Kura that rushes into the Caspian Sea. Some introduce the Kura (Cyrus) River as a natural borderline between Asia and Europe.
During the 19th century, rug productions flourished in the former Khanate of Shirvan. Some of these rugs are the best of Caucasian antique rugs.
Technical Aspects and the Structure of The Shirvan Rug
Antique Shirvan rug has an average knot density of 113 knots per square inch. Knots are symmetrical (Turkic).
Warps and Piles are made of wool; however, wefts may be either cotton or wool. Small rugs and long runners are the popular sizes in Shirvan. Resembling tapestries, the Shirvan rug is so practical, like hanging from a wall or packing.
Dyeing and Painting of The Shirvan Rug
The palette of the Shirvan rug is limited but strong. The power comes from both the deep saturation and the artistry of combining them, which typically rely on contrast.
Deep indigo and rich madder red serve mainly as dominant colors. Deep yellow, camel, azure, and olive are secondary colors, and madder rosy and pink.
Designs and Patterns of Shirvan Rugs
Prayer designs are standard in Shirvan as it is a proper design for small sizes. Fields of such rugs are filled with lattices of stylized flowers and blossoms. A motif called Akstafa is quite popular in Shirvan antique area rugs and runners. A type of bird has inspired this motif.
Tou could find Afshan (scattered) and multi-medallioned compositions, both in geometric versions. You could find Afshan (scattered) and multi-medallioned compositions, both in geometric versions. A type of multi-medallioned composition called Chajil typically consists of three octagonal medallions with contrasting colors.
Shirvan Kilims usually have no border. Wide and narrow bands filled with geometric shapes alternate to form the design in these Kilim. Shirvan Kilims usually have no border. Wide and narrow bands filled with geometric shapes alternate to form the design in these Kilims.
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