Antique Armenian Karabagh Rug Runner — 1890s | 3' x 8'10"

The Ruzan's field is covered in repeating staggered rows of botehs, each alternating in direction and filled with rainbow-like minor panel color—a detail that brings real dynamism to what would otherwise read as a straightforward repeating pattern. For more on the boteh motif and other recurring symbols, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The field is framed by multiple tiered borders, layering cross-hatch, meandering vine, and floral top-view motifs, finished with a floral cross-section outermost border. The palette is rich and varied: cherry red, sky blue, beige, chocolate brown, charcoal, pomegranate red, jade green, pale saffron yellow, and ivory. Explore more Karabagh pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 3' x 8'10", the Ruzan is well suited to hallways and long, low-traffic spaces where its exceptional age and dense pattern can be appreciated without further wear.

Karabagh rugs are woven in the historic Karabagh region, with a weaving tradition long shaped by Armenian craftsmanship alongside the broader Caucasian rug-making world. Karabagh weavings are known for bold repeating patterns, vivid multi-color panel work, and richly tiered bordering, reflecting a village and regional weaving tradition distinct from the more formal workshop production of Persia.

Woven circa the 1890s, the Ruzan is a rare and well-preserved example of this tradition, over 130 years old. Browse more pieces from this collection in our Karabakh collection.

Ruzan (Ռուզան) is an Armenian name of unknown meaning. It was used by the Armenian author Muratsan for the main character of his historical play Ruzan (1882), published just years before this rug was woven.

The name reflects the rug's own historical weight—a piece from the same era as the literary work that gave the name its cultural resonance, carrying a century-plus of Armenian craft and history within its weave.

Ruzan captures the Karabagh tradition at its most storied: dense, colorful, and remarkably preserved.

• Primary material: Natural wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Dye method: Traditional dyes
• Foundation: Traditional woven foundation
• Condition: Antique, fragile in places — see Condition Details

Please note: given its exceptional age, this rug shows areas of wear to pile, knot heads, and foundation. Most original side cord selvages are intact or have been sympathetically restored, and sides and ends are fully secured.

The darker charcoal brown shades show some recession to the foundation, likely a result of the mordants and dyestuffs used at the time of weaving, combined with age.

Given its condition, this piece is ideally suited to a lower-traffic area deeper inside the home rather than a primary walkway.

Recently professionally cleaned and ready for the use described above.

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

Given its age and condition, use a quality rug pad and place in a low-traffic area to minimize further wear.

For deep cleaning or stabilization, consult a professional experienced with antique Caucasian and Armenian carpets.

Is this rug suitable for high-traffic areas?
No. Given its exceptional age and wear, we recommend placing this rug in a lower-traffic area deeper inside the home.

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Antique Karabagh weavings like the Ruzan are unique in drawing, dye variation, and condition, and are exceptionally rare at this age.

What is a boteh motif?
A teardrop-shaped motif widely used across Persian and Caucasian weaving, often associated with growth and life. See our motif guide for more.