Antique Caucasian Soumac Rug — 1910s | 7'1" x 9'11"

A triple oversized center medallion commands this antique Caucasian soumac, its interior rendered as a pomegranate-like floral in top view, the fruit of abundance seen from above. Because soumac is wrapped rather than knotted, the drawing stands slightly raised from the surface, giving every outline a sculpted, almost embroidered crispness.

The field is covered edge to edge in smaller incident: minor blossoms, geometric guls, and germinating plants sprouting between them, so the whole surface reads like a fertile, well-tended meadow. Look closely and a few birds are hidden in the weave, tucked into the pattern for the viewer who takes the time.

A crab-style inner and outer minor border, a classic Caucasian device, frames the field, and an outer stripe border in a reciprocating wave motif sets the pace like a steady pulse. The palette is warm and weathered: brick red and madder root red lead, dusty sky blue and pale yellow open up the field, and charcoal, dark chocolate brown, and pale blush give the composition depth and softness.

At 7'1" × 9'11", it is a generous, room-size piece for bedrooms, studies, and formal sitting rooms, ideally placed in a lower traffic area deeper inside the home where its detail can be fully appreciated.

Soumac is a flatweave technique native to the Caucasus, in which colored wefts are wrapped around the warps to build the design, creating a raised, braided surface. The name is often said to come from Shemakha, a historic weaving center in the region.

Caucasian soumacs were woven as rugs, bags, and covers, and the best of them pair the strong, graphic drawing of Caucasian rugs with a texture all their own. This carpet was woven in the Caucasus region in the 1910s.

Antique soumacs are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship, rarity, and character. Learn more in our guide to rug styles for collectors.

Tarana (Təranə) is an Azerbaijani name for girls, from the Persian word for "song" or "melody."

The name suits a carpet whose repeating motifs and reciprocating border work like a melody, steady in rhythm and rich in variation, with a few birds hidden in the weave as if the song had wings.

Tarana captures the Caucasian soumac tradition at its most lyrical: rhythmic in drawing, textured in the hand, and full of quiet surprises.

• Primary material: Wool
• Construction: Hand-woven soumac (weft-wrapped flatweave)
• Edges: Original side cord selvages, intact or restored
• Condition: Antique, mostly original weave with scattered expert restorations
• Made in: Caucasus region

Please note: this carpet has scattered expert restorations. The weave is otherwise mostly in original condition across the carpet.

Because of its age and restorations, it is ideally suited to a lower traffic area deeper inside the home.

Most of the original side cord selvages remain intact or have been restored. 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 carpet has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate in-home use.

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

Use a quality rug pad to improve stability and reduce movement.

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

What is a soumac?
Soumac is a flatweave technique in which colored wefts are wrapped around the warps, creating a raised, braided surface that resembles embroidery. It is woven without knots and has no pile.

Has this carpet been restored?
Yes. It has scattered expert restorations and is otherwise mostly in original condition. We recommend a lower traffic area deeper inside the home and encourage you to review all of the photos before purchasing.

Is it ready for use?
Yes. It has been professionally cleaned and is ready for placement in a lower traffic area.