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

This antique Karabagh runner features a single vertical column of medallions, anchored by a larger central medallion and framed within an open field. Flanking the medallions are paired male and female birds facing one another—an enduring motif symbolizing harmony, continuity, and balance.

The ground displays beautiful abrash, with a saturated yet nuanced palette that includes cherry red, cochineal and wine reds, deep navy blue, beige, gold, mauve, powder blue, and mallard green. These tonal shifts lend movement and depth while preserving clarity across the extended composition.

With its extraordinary length and rhythmic layout, this runner is ideally suited for grand hallways, galleries, stair corridors, or architectural spaces where scale and symbolism are meant to be experienced in sequence.

Karabagh rugs originate from the Caucasus region, historically encompassing parts of present-day Armenia and Azerbaijan. By the late 19th century, Armenian Karabagh weavers were producing rugs celebrated for their expressive drawing, saturated natural dyes, and symbolic motifs drawn from daily life and regional folklore.

Runners of this scale were woven for long interior passages and communal spaces, where repeating medallions created visual rhythm and continuity. Bird motifs—especially paired birds—appear frequently in Karabagh weaving, representing unity, partnership, fertility, and protection.

This rug is among a small group of carpets released for sale for the first time in over fifty years from a prestigious New England collection, adding notable provenance and historical continuity. Its preservation speaks to careful stewardship across generations.

Today, antique Karabagh runners are highly sought after for their bold compositions, rich coloration, and ability to bring narrative and warmth to architectural interiors.

Ghazar is an Armenian name with roots in tradition and continuity, often associated with strength, lineage, and enduring presence. The name felt especially fitting for a runner of this length and gravitas—one that carries its story forward, medallion by medallion.

The paired birds facing one another reinforce the name’s symbolism, evoking partnership and balance woven into the fabric of daily life. The elongated format encourages movement through space, much like a lineage unfolding over time.

Ghazar is a statement piece—grounded, expressive, and deeply cultural. In a home or gallery setting, it offers not only scale and color, but meaning carried through generations.

• Primary material: Wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Dye method: Natural and hand-dyed yarns with abrash
• Edges: Original side cord selvages intact
• Finish: Fully secured sides and ends

This antique Karabagh runner is in excellent, well-preserved condition for its age. The wool pile remains at full, even original height across the surface, allowing the intricate motifs and color relationships to read clearly.

Original side cord selvages are intact, and the sides and ends are fully secured, ensuring long-term structural stability. The rug has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate in-home placement.

Its condition, scale, and provenance place it among collector-grade Caucasian runners, suitable for both everyday enjoyment and heirloom-level collecting.

Rugs are professionally cleaned prior to shipment. Minor loose fibers may be present upon arrival and will settle with gentle vacuuming.

Due to its length, we recommend pairing this runner with a quality rug pad to ensure stability and longevity. Rotate periodically to encourage even wear.

Vacuum gently without a beater bar. Spot clean as needed. For deep cleaning, consult a professional rug cleaner experienced with antique and hand-knotted rugs. Avoid excessive moisture and prolonged direct sunlight.

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Each antique Karabagh runner is unique in drawing, coloration, and proportion. The rug shown is the exact piece you will receive.

Is this a genuine antique rug?
Yes. This rug was hand-knotted in Armenia circa the 1890s and reflects traditional Karabagh weaving techniques.

Is the rug ready for use?
Yes. It has been professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate in-home placement.

Where does a runner of this length work best?
This size is ideal for long hallways, galleries, stair corridors, or architectural interiors that can accommodate its dramatic scale.