Talish rugs are works of the ethically Persian Talish people inhabiting territories in north-west Iran and Azejberjan, formerly Talish khanate.
Talish people speak their own language, and in the context of the Caucasus, they constitute a distinct group with a complex history; their works are as distinct as their ethnicity.
Talish long runner-like (wedding) rugs are perhaps the most recognizable within the large spectrum of all Caucasian rugs, but Talish rugs come also in more traditional forms. Only a closer look at the material and the construction may allow experts to tell a Talish from rugs from Kazak, or Genje
While the field (the so-called Talish) is most of the time plain, some Talish rugs feature complex floral patterns framed by the usual four borders.
The 19th century Talish rugs are nearly all wool constructs; the wefts (side to side cords), are, more often than not double, made of cotton, usually grey.
The warps (up and down cords) consist of two twisted plies of undyed beige (yarn) and brown wool.
The selvages are often blue overcast on the typical Caucasian double-step cord finish.
The knot is symmetrical (Ghiordes)
Antique Talish rugs are rare; some are erroneously attributed to other Caucasian schools, they are highly collectable.
A.G.
