Persian Heriz Rug | 9' 5" x 12' 10"

The village of Khuniq lies in the Goyjeh Bel rural district, in the Central District of Ahar County, five kilometres south of Ahar. Situated within the Goravan rug-weaving region of Azerbaijan, the village has long been a centre of hand-knotted rug production.

Its proximity to the Ahar weaving area has shaped the techniques used in Khuniq rugs, while their designs and motifs have a closer affinity with those of Heriz.

This rug has a central medallion and corner spandrels, closely resembling the tajeri, or merchant-style, designs of Heriz. It was woven with local materials, traditionally dyed with natural and plant-based dyestuffs, using symmetrical knots and a depressed-warp construction known as lul-baf.

The palettes of older Khuniq rugs are very close to those of Heriz, but Khuniq weavers tend to give particular prominence to one colour or two accent colours. In this rug, for example, camel (olive) and blue (shali) are more prominent than the other colours, creating an overall camel-and-blue palette. This emphasis can be a particular strength when incorporating the rug into an interior today.

The medallions in Khuniq rugs are usually larger than customary, lending these weavings a distinctive beauty.

The border is decorated with the flower motif known as gol-e hasht, flanked by two palm leaves. Locally, this motif is known as baliq shamama, meaning ‘fish and fragrant melon’. A distinctive feature of Khuniq rugs, however, is the use of colourful dots in the negative spaces of the border and corner spandrels. These give the rug a particular charm and, for me, recall the sweetness and distinctive taste of M&M’s chocolate candies.

The fine detailing in this rug’s motifs is a local tradition and a characteristic of Khuniq weaving. It speaks of the weavers’ creativity and love of nature: many of these small details are improvised as the rug is being woven.

Judging by its dyestuffs and the spatial arrangement of its design, this rug is approximately 80 years old.

• Origin: Heriz, Persia
  
• Age: Mid 20th century, likely Circa 1930s - 1940s
• Material: Wool pile on cotton foundation
• Dimensions: 9' 5" x 12' 10" (287 x 392 cm)
• Condition: Excellent full pile.