Akstafa Rugs
Akstafa Aghstafa is a river in Armenia and Azerbaijan, and is a right tributary of the Kura River. Along the river lie the cities of Dilijan, Ijevan, Gazakh and Agstafa. Agstafa town is the capital of the Agstafa District of Azerbaijan.
The district is located in the north-west of the country and belongs to the Ganja-Qazakh Economic Region. The district borders the districts of Qazakh, Tovuz, as well as the Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions of Georgia.
Akstafa peacock is a famous rug motif attributed to the area. It is a highly stylized bird with an elaborate tail. Such peacocks could also be found on Anatolian and Persian tribal pieces, however, they are widely known as Akstafa.
Traditionally, antique Akstafa rugs are categorized as Shirvan. During the 19th century rug productions flourished in the former Khanate of Shirvan. Some of these pieces are considered the best of Caucasian antique rugs.
Technical aspects and the structure of Akstafa Rugs
Antique Akstafa runner and rugs have an average knot density of 107 knots per square inch. Knots are symmetrical (Turkic). Warps and Piles are woolen. Wefts may be either cotton or wool. Small rugs and long runners are favored sizes in Shirvan. Akstafa peacocks are used chiefly on runners. Area rugs could also be found.
Dyeing and painting of Akstafa Rugs
The magic of Akstafa painting comes from both deep saturation and artistry of combing them which typically rely on contrast. In a typical Akstafa design, golden peacocks shine on midnight blue or blue. There are also pieces with golden camel field and dark peacocks. Madder red and ivory are other dominant colors. The ivory and black are normally undyed wool. Yellow, camel, indigo, turquoise and olive are some secondary colors as well as madder rosy and pink.
Dyeing and painting of Akstafa Rugs
The field is filled with tiny filling motifs such as geometrized blossoms and animal motifs. In some Akstafa designs the peacocks may be replaced with other stylized animals like dogs.
The field is filled with tiny filling motifs such as geometrized blossoms and animal motifs. In some Akstafa designs the peacocks may be replaced with other stylized animals like dogs.
