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Russian and Caucasian Rugs

Russian and Caucasian rugs have a very distinctive charisma: they effortlessly alternate between rich colours and subtle contrasts, between geometric patterns with large ornaments and flowing playfulness. Both Russia and the Caucasus have a centuries-old tradition of rug making. Accordingly, well-preserved antique rugs in the classic earthy colours of dark red, sand, black and brown are highly sought after and valued. More recent rugs often have airier colour palettes with light red, beige, grey-black, blue and green.

The distinctive charm of Russian and Caucasian rugs

Russian and Caucasian rugs have a unique and unmistakable look. They are rustic, relatively coarse and convey a certain roughness. At the same time, they are robust, reliable, friendly and radiate a pleasant warmth. Their patterns are powerful, full of character and come to life through striking shapes. Large ornaments meet filigree decorations, clear geometry combines with playful details.

Rugs from Russia and the Caucasus also go their own way when it comes to colour. They are not shrill but they are not quiet either. They effortlessly create a symbiosis of dark, grounded colours and airy light-heartedness. Sometimes they are strong in deep red and black and dark beige, sometimes restrained in warm ochre, golden brown and blue-grey, and sometimes in light blue, cream, yellow and green. Their matt and less intense colours allow them to blend harmoniously into a wide range of living styles – from classic to modern, from boho to industrial.

It is precisely this mixture of edgy design and warm tones, of coarse structure and fine patterning, that makes Russian and Caucasian rugs so fascinating and popular. They tell of tradition and originality, but at the same time they appear absolutely contemporary.

What are Russian and Caucasian rugs?

Origin, tradition and history

Rugs from Russia and the Caucasus are among the oldest rugs in existence. Their history goes back thousands of years, and the oldest surviving carpet in the world, for example, also has its roots in these regions. In countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Dagestan, rugs have always been part of everyday life. They were originally woven by nomads who used the simplest of means to make functional and quite artistic floor coverings for their tents and shelters. Later, workshops were set up in the villages, where rugs were also made for trade.

Typical features of Russian and Caucasian Rugs

1. Colours and contrasts

Russian and Caucasian rugs generally display a rather subdued colour palette. The colours are naturally strong and at the same time appear slightly weathered, almost as if the rug has already lived a long and fulfilled life.

Classic colours dominate in antique rugs, such as dark brick red and midnight black. These are complemented by a pronounced dark beige as a contrasting colour, as well as earthy decorative colours in brown, blue and green tones. Antique rugs often have an appearance that is described as ‘familiar and valued, honourable and friendly’.

The colour palette of newer and more modern rugs of Russian and Caucasian origin is much more varied, dynamic and brighter. The main colours here are creamy beige, salmon red, tomato red and various intense shades of blue.

2. Patterns and ornaments

Geometry characterises almost all Russian and Caucasian rugs. Their designs appear powerful and sometimes rough and angular, but they are always balanced and charming. Large main motifs such as stars or diamonds form the centre of many rugs, surrounded by detailed decorations. Typical ornaments are:

Rhombuses, hexagons and star motifs: These geometric central motifs are usually placed on the Rug in a fairly large format.
Zigzag lines and borders with hooked elements: These surround the central motifs and give the rug movement and dynamism.
Floral elements and stylised flowers: Usually highly simplified, stylised and geometrically interpreted, they complement the design of the rug as decorative ornaments.
Animal symbols and abstract figures: Especially in Azerbaijani rugs, there are representations of birds, ram's horns or dragons, which stand for luck, protection or strength.

3. Materials and workmanship

Most Russian and Caucasian rugs are made of pure new wool. The wool is usually spun by hand and dyed exclusively with natural colours. The knot density varies depending on origin and style. The pile is rather low to medium-high to high, giving the rugs a stable and less soft surface.

Different types of Russian and Caucasian Rugs

Shirvan Rugs

Shirvan rugs are often made of slightly finer wool, with an average knot density of 120,000 to 200,000 knots per square meter. Their designs consist of small, repeating motifs that create a harmonious overall picture. The colours are mostly muted, with many warm earth tones and occasional blue or green accents. More recent Shirvan rugs are partly made by Caucasian tribes in Afghanistan.

Wiss Rugs

Wiss rugs often have a large central ornament. This main motif is framed by symmetrical borders with stylised tendrils and a wider monochrome belt. The basic colour is traditionally red-yellow, paired with blue, grey, black and green pattern colours. They are usually knotted from firm wool and have an average knot density of 90,000 to 160,000 knots per square meter.

Azerbaijan Rugs

Azerbaijan rugs are often particularly detailed and show geometric patterns as well as animal motifs such as birds or deer. These elements are not depicted naturalistically, but are highly abstracted. The colour palette includes many earth tones with subtle, but deliberately used strong colours. The wool is relatively firm, the pile is usually medium-high and the knot density is between 120,000 and 240,000 knots per square meter.

Antique and newer Russian Rugs

Antique Russian rugs differ from the geometric designs of the Caucasus in their flat, often floral patterns. In particular, antique models feature large, ornamental flower patterns with curved lines. The colours are warmer and more classic: burgundy, gold, cream and occasionally dark blue. The texture of the wool and the knot density can vary greatly depending on the exact origin.

Kazak Rugs

Kazak rugs are probably the most well-known rugs of Caucasian origin and are characterised by large, clear patterns. Their designs are clearly geometric, with diamonds and hexagons. The colour palette is varied and often features pastel shades. The wool is firm, with an average knot density of 90,000 to 160,000 knots per square meter.

Note: The production of Kazak rugs has increasingly shifted eastward over time, so that they are now almost exclusively made by Caucasian-Turkmen tribes in Pakistan and Afghanistan. For this reason, we have assigned Kazak rugs to the category of Pakistani and Afghan rugs.

Russian and Caucasian Rugs: Sizes and Formats

The sizes in which the respective rug types are predominantly manufactured vary just as much as the designs themselves, depending on the region of origin and style. Very large sizes, such as 350 x 250 cm or 400 x 300 cm, are only found in Russian and Caucasian Rugs, and then mostly in the Viss and Kazak varieties. Similarly, small rugs in 120 x 80 or 90 x 60 cm are also usually only found in Kazak and antique Russian Rugs.

The most common sizes for all Russian and Caucasian rugs are the medium-sized 150 x 100 cm, 180 x 120 cm and 200 x 150 cm. Large rugs in the range of 240 x 170 cm and 300 x 200 cm are also available in all of these rug types – although sometimes only in a very small selection.

In terms of format, Russian and Caucasian rugs are almost always rectangular. These include a large number of runners in sizes from 200 × 70 cm to 350 × 100 cm. Round models are extremely rare, but occasionally occur in Kazak rugs.

Russian and Caucasian Rugs: A Great Choice

A Russian or Caucasian rug brings character and authenticity to any home. With their distinctive patterns, earthy colours and robust materials, they are timeless companions that can be integrated into many styles of living. Their handcrafted quality makes them chic and charming home accessories.

At Nain Trading, you will find an extensive selection of Russian and Caucasian Rugs. Find the perfect rug for your home now!

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The distinctive charm of Russian and Caucasian rugs

What are Russian and Caucasian rugs?

Origin, tradition and history

Typical features of Russian and Caucasian Rugs

1. Colours and contrasts

2. Patterns and ornaments

3. Materials and workmanship

Different types of Russian and Caucasian Rugs

Shirvan Rugs

Wiss Rugs

Azerbaijan Rugs

Antique and newer Russian Rugs

Kazak Rugs

Russian and Caucasian Rugs: Sizes and Formats

Russian and Caucasian Rugs: A Great Choice

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