The historic Kazak Khanate was bounded by the rugged mountains and lush valleys of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. This cultural melting pot was populated by Armenian dyers and weavers, Azeri Turks, groups from the Northern Caucasus and minorities from the surrounding areas. The Kazak rugs of the Caucasus are distinctive and individual. Iconic designs featured in regional rugs include Memling guls, geometric people and animals, symbolic motifs, dramatic medallions, crenellated fence borders, angular cloudbands and graphic latch hook. These spectacular rugs each incorporate a distinctive piece of Kazak culture. Antique Kazak rugs are filled with vivid colors and a rich assortment of deeply meaningful symbols that continue to delight collectors and connoisseurs of modern design.
Kazak rugs are among the most prized and exciting Caucasian rugs. Famed for their rich colors, assertive, geometric drawing, and bold, large-scale designs, they are sought after by collectors for their rugged authenticity, but they also make excellent accent rugs in a contemporary decorative setting. While Kazak rugs may have allover patterns, they are best known for their monumental and graphic medallion compositions, especially the Sevan and Karachopf types. When they are preserved with their original thick pile, the beauty of the color and the lustrous quality of the wool really allows the powerful design of these charming rugs to shine through.
Located in the Caucasus, the inhabitants of this town are a mixture of Christian Armenians and Muslim Turkic and Kurdish tribes. Kazak rugs have large scaled patterns frequently with several medallions. The playful color palate is bright and energetic with contrasting colors. The appearance of the Christian cross can sometimes be associated with rugs woven by the Armenians. Kazak rugs are highly sought after by designers and work well as a design element with modern furniture.