This is an exceptional 'seldom seen' in fact rare, example of an Armenian Karabagh Gallery rug.

There no examples on eBay or other web sites to compare this to, with the exception of already auctioned rugs through Christies or as described by JBOC. This pristine example has an Indigo field which is filled with boteh comprising vines and grapes (I may be corrected in this, there are so few examples to do any comparison to). The pile is superb, virtually unblemished, selvages and ends (tassling) are original, intact and in A1 condition. The main border is a repeat of Karabaugh (Caucasian) Shield Palmettes (examples of which can be seen in Peter F. Stone's guide, and in other superior references as E. Gans-Ruedin and Walter A. Hawley). The complexity of the main border may explain why the weaver chose to frame it with a simple red background and blue stripe. The Indigo background of the field is something seen in a number of Southern Caucasus rugs and very occasionally in Shirvan 'Boteh' also. There is some slight oxidation of the blue/black Indigo in a very few places, which in no way detracts from the total harmony or completeness of this work. There is little, if nothing to compare this offering to in the marketplace today, my price is superb in comparison to the few auctioned examples for comparison with.

The foundation of the rug is cotton with wool warps and wefts.

Exact dimensions are 9' 6" X 3' 7".

The size of this rug is unusual and indicative of something which was commissioned or sanctioned by Czarist Russia in its domination of this region in all respects, those examples which exist today often faithfully example this within an inch or so. The prospective owner of this rug will have a significant piece of museum quality art, generally only held in private collections and museums.

My company is not unique, based in Oregon, USA, but our endeavor is to personally source and bring to the marketplace striking original works of art, this is another one.