Karabagh Embroidery

The Caucasus region straddles territories in four countries – Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. Throughout history it was under the control of both Islamic and Christian powers which explains the large variety of motifs and influences. The rug producing Karabakh region which is in the southern part of the Caucasus was mostly dominated by Persia and its style is influenced by Persian carpet designs.

Karabagh embroideries were meant to be utilitarian household items, thrown on tables, used as covers, hung as room dividers or even window curtains. They were also used in rituals such as birth, marriage, and death.

This particular embroidery is most likely reduced from a larger piece or else missing some outer borders. It features four concentric medallions. It is decorated with  floral and other zoomorphic elements with some small dragons and solar disks. All done with silk embroidery on cotton ground using cross and chain stitch techniques.