Vintage Caucasian Geometric Design Sumak Rug
This vintage Caucasian geometric design sumak rug is a prime example of the great resurgence of interest towards antique weavings during the 1980’s. This prompted many innovations in the development of contemporary carpets, paying close attention towards replicating the original patterns of antique rugs as well as employing hand-spun, vegetable-dyed wool. One of the leading projects from that period was a partnership between the Russian government and the L. Kelaty Ltd. company, who was a leading rug importer based in London, and who commissioned a series of Sumak wool flat-weaves to be woven in Russian Azerbaijan according to the specifications of the antique originals.
This example shows a pattern composed of three large star medallions, dominating a field punctuated by a plethora of geometric motifs characteristic of the historical Caucasian textile art. The extremely fine quality of weaving attests to the huge commitment which was placed at the time towards the revival of this ancient weaving tradition.