831. a sumptuous antique Karaja Persian runner

831. Provenance: Karaja, northeast of Heriz, Persian Azerbaijan

Size: 380 x 83 cm

Age: Circa 1930

Condition: Good.

Notes: A really lovely Karaja (or Heriz?) runner, with splendid natural dyes and a dramatic, clearly-defined drawing. The spikey and crenelated medallions in the field share much in common with their cousins across the border in independent Azerbaijan (or Imperial Russian Azerbaijan as it was then), such as the 'alder-eagles' of Chelaberd and the almost scorpian/beatle-like motifs of Chondzoresk. Unlike those though, this Persian piece is woven on a heavy cotton foundation, giving it firmness and stability on the floor.