Monumental Caucasian Kazak Red and Ivory Rug. 

Size: 41 x 74 in. 

#4595 . 

Contrary to the spelling of the name, Kazak rugs are not from Kazakhstan but rather come from the Caucasus region overall, particularly among tribes that modern day Armenians, Turks, and Kurds are descended from. The rugs often display red, ivory, blue, and yellow colors, and are hand-knotted, with their particular patterns (usually floral and geometric) depending on the region or geographical area that particular tribe calls home. The three main types of Kazak rugs are Bordjalou, Erevan, and Echmiadzin, each named for the district or city they are most associated with. Bordjalou are the most simple, and sometimes even have seemingly-random elements in their weave, incorporating natural brown tones into them. Erevan rugs are larger but have a shorter pile, and traditionally incorporate medallions. The rugs from Echmiadzin are broken down further into three additional categories, due to tribal separations of the region, but whether they are Ekhegnadzor, Martuni, or Shamshadeen they all use double wefts to make them much thinner and are significantly longer than the others, sometimes greater than a dozen feet in length, and the colors are usually darker with much less ivory and greater use of blue. Despite being made primarily by nomadic tribes (particularly by female members), Kazak rugs are seen as extremely luxurious and symbols of status, and they are found in churches, homes, businesses, and more opulent locations. Some of the earliest surviving rugs are from the 17th Century, preserved by the drier climate, and the most desired had strands of gold and silver woven into them.