Antique Moghan Rug
257 x 143 cm (8' 5" x 4' 8")
Caucasus, ca. 1880
Condition: good, mostly good pile, both ends slightly restored, several repairs
Warp: wool, weft: wool, pile: wool

Woven by nomadic weavers of the  Moghan plain in the southeastern Caucasus region, Moghan oriental rugs generally feature compositions of complex and detailed regional tribal geometric figures in the borders and fields. These include a multitude of octagonal or hexagonal figures. Hooked diamonds, palmettes, rosettes, vines, and boteh are common motifs as well.

Reds, dark blues, and browns from natural materials found in the tribal regions are the prevalent colors used in these rugs. The Memling Gul motif was a particular favorite of the weavers of antique Moghan oriental rugs and is used to great effect in this antique Moghan rug. The Memling Guls in this carpet feature wonderful, simple color variation and symbiosis. They appear to float under a protective border filled with crosses and smaller Memling Gul variations.