Object Description
South Caucasian wool ‘wheel of life’ long rug
Caucasian, 20th Century
Height 262cm, width 109cm
From the South Caucus emerges this long rug of exceptional beauty and craftsmanship. Crafted meticulously by hand, using only the purest wool, its design echoes the profound rugmaking traditions of the region, unfolding a visual story brimming with detail.
Its design is structured traditionally. At its heart lies a central panel, where one is immediately drawn to six distinct interpretations of the ‘wheel of life’ motif. Each portrayal varies in its hues, shapes, and sizes. This enduring tribal emblem beautifully illustrates life’s continuous evolution within its inevitable cyclical bounds. Complementing these are elegant rosettes, accompanied by geometric floral designs, all in the vibrant shades of red, beige, and ivory. This myriad of details is artfully set against a backdrop awash in deep blue.
Encircling the opulent central panel, a border comes alive with an energetic rosette frieze. Its colours—a mesmerizing blend of yellow, blue, maroon, and ochre—dance with vitality. Particularly eye-catching are the elongated rosettes gracing the runner’s top and bottom, infusing movement into the design. The richness of these hues stands in beautiful contrast to the calming ivory of the border’s canvas. Further enhancing this artwork, twin zigzag-patterned friezes, drenched in an array of colours, embrace the primary border.
This runner’s myriad of colours and intricate patterns not only elevate any space it graces but also resonate with the deep-rooted rugmaking heritage of the South Caucus tribes.