Karadja

Karadja (pronounced: Karadscha) is located in the Karadagh region south of the Kura. The old Karadjas like this one do not have much in common with today's commercial carpets of the same name. This one is of a select, almost talismanic wool quality with a velvety gallon and full handle. On the light blue background, the strong, clear colours of the amazingly true-to-pattern ornaments, which can also be seen in the new examples, shine. The Karadja rugs have a very characteristic pattern. Similar in format to the Talish, medallions of various shapes and colours are superimposed on a blue central field, almost filling the entire format. The typical motifs always include a braided band medallion, as it already appears in the Hollbein carpets of the 16th century, as well as gilt diamonds set with white lace or radiating contours and an eagle motif. These are occasionally joined by designs from neighbouring Lenkoran and victor-like, light-coloured square cartouches from the nearby Mogan region. Despite the relatively high pile, these carpets are beautifully knotted. Old karadjas are almost only found in runner format (side rug). Their ornamentation is sometimes related to the Talish or Lenkoran carpets.