Kovrovoe proizvodtsvo Zakavkaz'ia [Carpet Production in the Caucasus].

A scarce work on carpets of the Caucasus with a focus on Azerbaijan.

This early Soviet work commissioned by the Research Institute of Caucasian Studies is a valuable source on the history and production of carpets in the region. The twenty two plates of carpets were provided by Zakgostorg (The Transcaucasian state export company) which was responsible for maintaining trade relations, providing weavers with technical drawings and producing catalogues. Zakgostorg also organised competitions and exhibitions to promote high-quality craftsmanship, notably in 1926 in the town of Quba where 200 rugs were exhibited.

The plates are each captioned for the region and in most cases specific village and in some instances the type of carpet such as namazlik (prayer mat) or khalcha (runner). The different styles of carpets are well represented with examples from across Azerbaijan including: Quba, Baku, Shirvan, Gebele, Ganja, Qazax, Karabakh and Agstafa.

First edition, 8vo (22.4 x 15.2); half-title and title, 22 coloured plates tipped in with printed captions, errata slip loosely inserted at the rear; original printed card with carpet design to upper cover, spine and endpapers replaced, a very good copy; viii, 224pp.