Kuba Bijov or Shirvan Karagashli

[Larry Gerber Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Larry Gerber]

I recently added an antique rug fragment that I thought was a Kuba Bijov to complement two other examples of this design that I already owned. The dealer from whom I bought the rug, however, thought the piece was a Shirvan Karagashli because of the main border and the weave. Because the rug had been mounted on blue fabric, it is hard to get a decent photo of the back, but I wonder whether anyone has an opinion as to what is the correct identification of the rug's origin. I am also posting photos of the other two rugs of similar design I own. Anyone want to hazard a guess as to which of the three is the oldest?







The next photo is of the first rug of this design I bought about 25 years ago. The dealer was probably Iranian and while he had lots of Persian rugs in his inventory, I don't think he knew much about Caucasian rugs. After we had agreed on a price, I asked him whether he thought this was a Kuba. He replied: "No, it's not from Cuba; it's Russian."





Below is the third rug of this type I own. It is obviously in much better condition than the other two, but it is not necessarily my favorite of the three.

[Chuck Wagner Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Chuck Wagner]

Larry,

Your question is a little like asking: Is this an apple, or is this a Honeysweet apple...

Although Shirvan is a specific geographic place, is is also a term that serves as a bundle for rugs from throughout the area. I think it's because attributions are sometimes hung on the marketing center where a buyer made his purchases, rather than necessarily being where it was actually woven.

I have a Kuba Karagashli, which fits my understanding (contrast with knowledge) of Kuba characterisics: more of a rib to the back, and not so loosely woven as others from the region.

Some images below. If you root through our archives you may find discussions going into more detail. Filiberto Boncompagni, now departed, was our resident Caucasian expert.

Regards
Chuck

[Larry Gerber Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Larry Gerber]

Chuck,

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately, not all of the photos of the three rugs I mention and that were included in my original post still appear in the listing, so it is hard for anyone to compare the three rugs. I am not sure why they seem to have disappeared. I am familiar with Karagashli rugs with the design of your rug, as well as this other variant, which is part of my collection.

Best wishes,
Larry