The Oriental Collection - Catalog - Page 132
REZAS KELIM RUGS
Sumak Shahsavan
The name Shahsavan means the King’s protector, and it refers to the nomadic
tribe that guards one of the Orient’s most remote and vulnerable borders with
Azerbaijan, where the country borders Russia and Turkey. The diverse weaving
traditions brought from the Turkish, Oriental, and Armenian peoples became a
melting pot that slowly transformed into an impressive new rug grouping.
The design work characterizing Shahsavan rugs is highly geometric and filled with
an array of vibrant natural dyes. Medallions are aligned horizontally or vertically
across the surface of the rug, with smaller improvised patterns adorning the background. It is also not uncommon to see patterns in the field, particularly in runners,
while larger sized rugs can be distinguished by stepped or latch hook medallions,
the Turkish Memling guls, the ubiquitous boteh pattern, or small animal figures.
The backs of these rugs always have long thread ends and the special weaving
technique gives the rugs a thinner, felt-like quality. The rugs are very well suited for
hanging on the wall.
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