19th Century Red, Blue, Green, and White Wool Kazak Pinwheel Rug, 1850s

Pinwheel Kazaks are one of the rarest types in this important production of the South-Western Caucasus. The design is very simple and is based on only three elements: the pinwheel, which symbolizes the cosmic vortex and therefore the change and is depicted in opposite directions. An element in green arranged diagonally, which recalls the ancient motif of the crab (harshang), symbol of strength and finally a white rosette, typically Caucasian style, which gives order and harmony to the whole composition. This classic composition is enriched by the unusual presence, on the dark blue background of the girandole, of small animal motifs and an amphora or aquamanile, dashed in white or yellow. The white background border is also classic, with an exclusive motif typical of the most ancient examples. Also note in the horizontal bands the S inscribed in octagonal cartoons, which represent the extreme stylization of the dragon motif.