KUBA CHI-CHI
Second half of the 19th century, North Eastern Caucasus origin, wool fleece on wool weave.
Large Caucasian rugs, over three meters in length, are very rare. Often they were fabrics on commission for the Russian market, but in this case the elongated format, which with the Persian term is defined kelleghi (or kelley) rather suggests a local client. In the traditional furniture of Persian houses, but also of Caucasian ones (let's not forget that Caucasian Azerbaijan before being Russian - and today independent - was for centuries an integral part of the Persian Empire) a carpet of this size was used in the hall intended to welcome guests, where it served as a central table and canteen and was flanked by two long runners (kenareh) on which the participants sat. Generally carpets of this size and format were found in Karabakh production, more rarely in Shirwan one and it is really unusual to be able to see one like this coming from the Kuba area and with Chi-Chi designs. The ornamentation of the field, with a very dark blue background, consists only of the polygon motif with a stepped profile, arranged in parallel and staggered rows. The border is typical of Chi-Chi rugs and is here particularly rich and well articulated. The central band features the diagonal bar motif and eight-petal rosettes, which is almost a trademark of Chi-Chi rugs; the two smaller frames that accompany it instead have an equally characteristic polychrome bud design, and are enriched by a third frame placed towards the inside with an elegant motif of polychrome octagonal stars on a white background. Finally, the external closure with the medacyl, the motif with recirproche arrowheads, in red and blue, outlined in white, which is also taken up inside in the contour of the dark blue central field, is the manual. As a whole, the carpet has the appearance of an embroidery, of a very fine and precious lace, an effect due in part to the combination of the minute and overabundant decoration, typical of the Chi-Chi, to the extraordinary dimensions, which also make this specimen is an important piece of sure excellence.