If you’re looking for beautiful, intricate, and elegant rugs with a rich history behind them, then Caucasian rugs are the ticket. These handmade rugs are in a league of their own. Here is a guide to these unique rugs.
Caucasian Rugs
Caucasian rugs originate from the Northern, Eastern, and Southern mountain strip of Caucasus. Caucasus is a region in between the Black and Caspian Sea and it is known for its nomadic and tribal culture.
Caucasian rugs date back to almost 2500 BC since there is rock solid evidence of these rugs being weaved by people, not just for décor, but also as gifts and articles of luck and prosperity. These rugs were also sentimental and were passed down from one generation to the next.
Fast forward to the Bronze Age, Caucasian rugs made their way into the Middle East through the Silk Route and the rest is history. Ever since then, Caucasian rugs have been the epitome of popularity among people of different races, religions, and social cultures.
Breaking from its traditional roots of the Caucasus, today, Azerbaijan, Turkestan, and Armenia are the main manufacturers of these culturally rich and beautiful rugs.
Types Of Caucasian Rugs
Now that you know what Caucasian rugs are, here are some different types of rugs:
Georgian Rugs
Georgian Caucasian rugs are the most common ones found in retail shops and rug boutiques. They’re vibrant in color and very bold in patterns. The weave they have is called the Kuba weave, which is similar in style to the authentic Persian weave.
Georgian Caucasian rugs are available in area rug size as well as runner rug variety and their patterns tell a story that is not only beautiful to look at, but will leave you in awe.
Dagestan Rugs
Originated and produced in Dagestan, these rugs embody the nomadic culture and practices beautifully in the weaves. These rugs are made on a flat weave, usually on a pile of cotton, wool, or a combination of both. These rugs are also made by the infamous tapestry weaving technique, making them thinner and more manageable, but just as mesmerizing, if not more.
Daghestani/Dagestan rugs have a vivid tribal appearance and they’re hard to miss. They were used by nomads on several occasions, and even in décor in houses. These rugs were also a sign of wealth and prosperity and adding different colors entailed different meanings for these down-to-earth people.
Kazak Rugs
If you love the look and feel of high-pile rugs, then Caucasian rugs have a rug type that you won’t want to miss. Kazak/Kazakh rugs are thick and luxurious. The distinctive factor is the weaving of huge medallions and motifs in the center of the rug surrounded by thick borders and patterns.
Unlike the name, Kazak rugs were first weaved by Armenians, Turks, and Kurds, and the name “Kazak” was then used generally. If you don’t fancy medallions, then Kazak rugs also have floral and minimal designs to choose from, that will surely win your heart.
How Are Caucasian Rugs Made?
Based on the different types of Caucasian rugs, there is more than one way of weaving these rugs from thin and uneven wool strands to straight-up masterpieces.
There are a lot of factors that go into making a Caucasian rug. The first one is the selection of material. Only the best of the best Caucasian wool is used to weave these rugs. Sometimes, cotton can also be used, but if you’re looking for an authentic Caucasian rug, then wool is what you want to get.
The weaving technique can either be a flat weave or a tufted weave depending on the type of rug that’s being made. Moreover, the weave also determines the strength of the rug.
These rugs can or cannot have fringes. Usually, rugs without fringes are considered to be authentic, but there are different varieties available depending on the buyer’s preference.
Things To Know About Caucasian Rugs
Here are some things that you need to know about Caucasian rugs:
They’re Rare
The beauty of Caucasian rugs is that they are not something you see every day. Caucasian rugs are truly a treat for the eyes, but they’re not as common as oriental or Persian rugs. These rugs have a certain appeal that makes them amazing.
However, they are quite rare. Only certain retailers carry these rugs and you’re going to have to search far and wide to get your hands on these unique pieces of art.
Maintenance
Since Caucasian rugs are primarily made out of wool, it means that you need to take good care of them. Woolen rugs require a bit more maintenance than rugs made of other materials because they are just so luxurious that you can’t toss them in the washing machine and call it a day.
It’s better to get Caucasian rugs professionally cleaned especially if the rug isn’t small enough to handle by yourself. See, you’re going to have to slave over these rugs a bit, but that’s only going to make them last longer and look better in the long run.
Unique Quality
Another thing that is worthy of mentioning when it comes to Caucasian rugs, is the fact that they are made after hours and hours of hand work. You might think that all handmade rugs have the same quality, but with Caucasian rugs, it’s taken to the next level.
These rugs are made with the finest quality wool that’s found in the Caucasus region. The strands are then dyed with organic dyes and pigments to give the rug that beautiful, vibrant, and eye-catching look. You seriously can’t deny the fact that these rugs are a labor of love and that all the work that goes into making these rugs makes them worth every penny.
They’re Expensive
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but yes, Caucasian rugs are a bit on the expensive side. Since they’re primarily handmade, made out of wool, and rare than oriental and Persian rugs, you can expect these rugs to sit on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Regardless of the price, these rugs are adored by people. Those who love the pattern storytelling of the rug and the rich colors used to weave these things of beauty don’t mind spending the extra cash to get their hands on these amazing rugs.
Handmade Vs Machine-Made
Caucasian rugs are available in both handmade and machine-made varieties. Handmade rugs are more sought-after than any other variety, but if you’re looking for the same rugs at a more reasonable price, then machine-made rugs will save the day.
Now, don’t knock machine-made rugs, thinking that they will be low quality. Yes, they just don’t have that unique handmade aspect because they’re manufactured in bulk on weaving machines. However, the quality is pretty much the same and there is a lot more variety to choose from. So, even if you’re a die-hard handmade rug fan, give machine-made Caucasian rugs a go. You will save money. But if you only the best of the best, then handmade Caucasian rugs should be your pick.
Conclusion
Caucasian rugs resemble other oriental rugs in many ways, however, there’s a certain appeal to them that is just out of this world making perfect for your home. Here are some varieties of tribal rugs VA you will surely like.
