684. a monumental long Lenkoran Caucasian runner

684. (was 730). Provenance: Lenkoran, Azerbaijan, The Caucasus

Size: 560 x 108 cm

Age: Circa 1910

Condition: Good for age. Few repairs to field.

Notes: A delightful tribal runner displaying all the invigorating naivity for which true 19th Century Caucasians are justly famed. Lenkoran was once the capital of the khanate of Talish, and lies in the southern Caucasus, on the Caspian Sea. This piece features the usual major Lenkoran medallions, which may be large geometricized calyx or derived from ealier dragon motifs. These medallions have four arms (though they sometimes have but two), and have about them the look of insects or perhaps scorpians. Surrounding them are minor octagonal medallions, each in a variety of colours, and some squarish, almost Chinese 'leiwen' motifs. The major border is beautifully executed with an interlocking (almond?) leaf motif, with intricately coloured flower heads within. Captivating. This piece is long (around 18 feet and I couldn't fit it all in the photo) and needs an adequate space to do it justice.