Zeichur Kuba, 4th quarter 19th century,
4'6" x 9'6"

In each newsletter, I try to highlight an exceptional rug that I feel is worth taking a few moments to discuss. This fine Zeichur Kuba is a rug that exemplifies the wonderful design aesthetic of the Caucasus in 19th century rug making. While small-scale field patterns based on 18th century Persian textiles are popular within this group from the south Caucasus, this particular design and its complexity of articulation is very rare and special. It makes use of no fewer than ten distinct alternating colors of paisleys, or "botehs." The brown ground has corroded evenly, and the corrosion adds a sculptural effect to the rug and affirms the age and quality of the piece. A simple wave border of white and indigo completes the design and provides balance and harmony. This is an elegant rug for any setting, and it is one of several that I've recently acquired from a private collector who assembled a collection over the last forty years. I'll be taking it, along with many other beautiful rugs, to the Winter Antiques Show this week.

For more information about the show, please see their website at: www.winterantiquesshow.com