Shirvan

Shirvan is a former Khanate in the Caucasus. It is populated by primarily Azeri Turks. But there was a significant population of Armenians in the area west of Shemakha. Shirvan along with Kuba and Derbent are the primary Azeri weaving area. Generally Shirvans are short pile rugs with a flat or near flat back. Shirvan rugs are often the most sought after antique weavings from the Caucasus. Shirvans were made not far from those of Kuba, which are closely related in terms of design and coloration. But Shirvans tend to be distinguished by a larger, more supple weave. They also leaned more to medallion designs, while Kubas relied more on allover patterns. Still, Shirvans and Kubas constitute something of a contrast to the bolder more graphic quality of South Caucasian rugs like Kazaks and Karabaghs. Instead they are more finely detailed, relying on precise articulations of form as well as the effects of rich color.