Antique Armenian Karabagh Rug Runner — 1890s | 3'8" x 23'9"

Antique Armenian Karabagh Rug Runner — 1890s | 3'8" x 23'9"

3'8" x 23'9"
$17,420.00
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Antique Armenian Karabagh Rug Runner — 1890s | 3'8" x 23'9"

The Ghazar

★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING
An heirloom rug from the Karabakh collection

Antique Armenian Karabagh Rug Runner — 1890s | 3'8" x 23'9"

$17,420.00
Authentic
Authentic Antique
Hand-knotted
Armenian handmade
Professionally cleaned
professionally cleaned

The Antique Armenian Karabagh Rug Runner is a hand-knotted wool runner woven in Armenia circa the 1890s, with a single column of medallions and a pair of birds facing each other on a softly abrashed ground. Long, graceful, and rich in color, it comes from a prestigious New England collection and is offered for sale for the first time in over half a century. Explore more in our Karabagh rugs collection.

  • Origin: Karabagh, Armenia
  • Age: Antique, circa 1890s
  • Type: Rug runner
  • Construction: Hand-knotted
  • Pile: Wool pile
  • Use: Indoor
  • Size: 3'8" × 23'9"

Each rug is handcrafted and timeworn. Variations in size, abrash, contour, and minor restoration are natural characteristics of antique handmade rugs and reflect their authenticity rather than defects.


Description

A single column of center medallions travels the full length of this antique Karabagh runner, led by a larger main medallion. Around them, the open field is lively. Male and female birds face each other across the ground, giving the long composition a sense of story and rhythm.

The ground is abrashed, shifting gently from one tone to the next the way hand-dyed wool does. The palette is deep and generous: cherry red, cochineal red, and wine red, balanced by deep navy blue, beige, gold, mauve, powder blue, and mallard green.

At 3'8" × 23'9", this is a true gallery-length runner. It was made for long halls, galleries, and grand entryways, and it carries a space from one end to the other.


History

Karabagh is a historic weaving region of the southern Caucasus. Its rugs are known for confident medallions, vivid reds, and spacious drawing, and they remain favorites among collectors of Caucasian weaving.

This runner was woven in Armenia in the 1890s. It comes from a prestigious New England collection, and it is among a handful of carpets offered for sale for the first time in over half a century.

Antique Karabagh runners of this length are rare and sought after for their scale and presence. Learn more in our guide to rug styles for collectors.


About the Name

Ghazar (Ղազար) is an Armenian name, the Armenian form of Lazarus. It comes from the Hebrew Elazar, meaning "God has helped."

The name suits a rug that has lasted well over a century and still stands tall. Its colors remain deep, its pile is even, and its story reaches back to a single New England collection.

Ghazar is a runner with presence, one that has been cared for and is ready for its next chapter.


Materials & Composition
  • Primary material: Wool
  • Construction: Hand-knotted
  • Dye method: Traditional hand-dyed yarns with abrash
  • Edges: Original side cord selvages, intact
  • Foundation: Traditional woven foundation

Condition Details

The original pile height is even across the rug.

The original side cord selvages are intact. The sides and ends are fully secured.

For the most accurate color, please refer to the first image, which was taken in natural light.

The rug has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate in-home use.


Care Instructions

Vacuum gently using suction only. Avoid beater bars and rotating brushes.

Use a quality rug pad to improve stability and reduce movement, especially on a long hallway.

Rotate periodically to encourage even wear. For deep cleaning, consult a professional rug specialist experienced with antique Caucasian rugs.


FAQ

What is a Karabagh rug?
A Karabagh rug is a hand-knotted rug from the Karabagh region of the southern Caucasus. These rugs are known for bold medallions, rich reds, and generous, open drawing.

Where does this rug come from?
It was woven in Armenia in the 1890s and comes from a prestigious New England collection. It is offered for sale for the first time in over half a century.

Is it ready for use?
Yes. It has been professionally cleaned and is ready for placement.

Shipping & Delivery

Free shipping on orders over $250. Ships within the contiguous U.S. in 1–2 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).

Read our shipping policy →

Return Policy

Returns accepted within 3 days of delivery on eligible items, unused and in original condition. Sale items (including those purchased with a discount code), custom pieces, and international orders are not eligible for return. 

This is a refurbished heirloom piece. Wear, repairs, and other characteristics of age are disclosed above and are part of the rug's story, not a defect.

Read our return policy →

Reviews
★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING

"Worth every penny! This is the kind of purchase you never regret." - Selena W.

Read more reviews →

ORIGIN STORY

The Karabakh Collection

Ghazar is an antique Armenian Karabakh rug distinguished by bold geometric medallions, saturated natural dyes, and expressive tribal symbolism. Woven in the Artsakh (Karabakh) region, these carpets represent a powerful branch of Armenian weaving heritage, where design served as both ornament and cultural record.

Karabakh rugs are celebrated for their angular star medallions, stylized animals, hooked polygons, and vibrant abrash created through natural dye processes. Historically woven within the home and passed down through generations, they embody both artistry and identity. Striking yet deeply rooted in tradition, Armenian Karabakh carpets bring color, narrative, and historic resonance into both modern and collected interiors.

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Over 100+ happy customers

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★★★★★

Worth every penny!

This is the kind of purchase you never regret.

— SELENA W. —

★★★★★

The only place you should be buying antiques from.

These folks are always willing to go the extra mile to help you find what you're looking for.

— JACK P. —

★★★★★

Collector-approved.

Beautifully curated. As a long-time collector, I can say their pricing is very fair.

— PIETRO G. —

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Frequently asked questions

Are your heirloom rugs one-of-a-kind?

Yes. Every heirloom rug we sell is one of a kind. The piece shown is the exact rug you will receive, and it cannot be replaced once sold. Learn more about what makes our rugs heirlooms →

Are your rugs hand-knotted?

Yes. All heirloom, antique, and vintage rugs in our collection are traditionally hand-knotted, not machine-made.

Are your heirloom rugs authentic?

Yes. All heirloom rugs in our collection are genuine vintage or antique pieces—not reproductions. Each is traditionally hand-knotted and sourced from a historically recognized weaving region, with age, origin, and construction verified before listing.

What's the difference between vintage & antique rugs?

Antique rugs are typically over 100 years old, while vintage rugs generally date from the 20th century. Both are traditionally hand-knotted and regionally authentic; the difference lies primarily in age, not quality or craftsmanship.

Are antique and vintage rugs suitable for modern homes?

Most vintage rugs are well-suited for daily living. Antique rugs can also be used with care, depending on age and condition. We note any important considerations on each listing. Learn more about why buying vintage & antique matters →