Kazak Landing Page

Discover the Folkloric Whimsy & Artistic Depth of Caucasian Kazak Rugs

With roots to the people who inhabited this majestic Caucasus Mountains since the dawn of history, the tribal weavers who occupied the region’s highest encampments and small alpine villages created a powerful rug style known as Kazak. As trade routes expanded and became more populated Kazak examples made their way to Europe, Asia, and eventually the Americas so that by the eighteen and nineteen hundreds these rugs had captured the admiration of collectors and museums internationally.

Kazak is in the Republic of Armenia, directly to the north west of Lake Sewan. “In weaving terms, Kazak is probably the most famous area in the Caucasus, for the best of the rugs produced there…combined stunning geometric designs with fabulous colors derived from high-quality dyes. It is possible to attribute some weavings from this area to specific villages, but when a piece cannot be precisely identified it is known simply as a Kazak or by reference to the design” (Middleton, Michael, Rugs & Carpets: Techniques, Traditions & Designs. Mitchell Beazley, London, 1996, p. 52). The aesthetic begot an astonishing panoply of patterns with names such as Fachralo, Lori Pamback, Karachov, and “ ‘Eagle’ and ‘Cloudband’ Kazaks”.

Unlike other antique rug styles, in many 19th century Kazak carpets, large archetypal motifs dominate the field, with majestic proportions that magnify the powerful effect of these iconic designs. Perhaps because they were woven in the highest reaches of the towering Caucasus Mountains, they express a particularly cosmological character, exploring the intimate interplay between heaven and earth. Their geometric designs are actually symbols, some found on metal work from the Paleolithic period, that combine in myriad ways to profound effect. Stars of Wisdom, Wheels of Life, Ram’s Horn, and Fence of Security and many other populate these rugs. Enhanced by naturally lustrous, long haired wool from the weavers’ own sheep that was slow-dyed for saturation, sustaining centuries of sunlight, top Kazak rugs display spectacular fields of color from scarlet to lapis, fern green to goldenrod.

• Browse a sampling of our collection of antique Caucasian Kazak rugs Here •

• Learn more about the fascinating history of antique Caucasian Kazak weaving Here •