Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

For many years, Azerbaijani decorative and applied arts, especially carpets, have captivated art commissioners around the world.

Stunning Azerbaijani rugs have been sold at many prestigious auctions.

There is always a great interest and demand for these stunning examples of decorative and applied arts among museums and art lovers.

Since 2017, Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum has been participating in various auctions such as Christie's Auction, Sotheby's and Austrian Auction Company to enrich its museum collection.

Nearly 21 colorful carpets were put up for sale at the Christie's Auction this summer.

The auction featured magnificent examples of Guba, Shirvan, Ganja, Gazakh, Karabakh and Tabriz carpets schools.

Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum is pleased to present some of them.

Founded in 1967, the museum holds more than 14000 exhibits of the finest Azerbaijani carpets.

For instance, Gazakh carpet (19th century) was sold at auction for 16,250 pounds. Another example of Gazakh carpet school was purchased for 10,000 pounds. The 18th century Nakhchivan carpet was sold for 35,000 pounds.

Notably, there are seven major carpet weaving schools distinguished by patterns, composition, color palette and techniques in Azerbaijan: Guba School, Baku or Absheron School, Shirvan School, Ganja School, Gazakh School, Karabakh School, Tabriz School.Guba carpet ornaments contain stylized vegetative.

Guba carpet ornaments contain stylized vegetative. Shirvan carpets are famous for their rich and complex patterns.

Baku carpets never cease to amaze with its greater softness and unique oval patterns.

Shirvan carpets are famous for their rich and complex patterns.

Ganja carpets are characterized harmonious color shades.

Gazakh carpets feature a central medallion and various geometrical patterns.

Karabakh carpets have the richest color palette.

Tabriz carpet school is considered the most ancient and known in the country. Piled and pileless carpets of this school are distinguished by its unique design, harmony of colors and variety of ornaments.

Nowadays Azerbaijani carpets are highly appreciated over the world for their quality and high artistic value.

In 2019, Azerbaijani carpet-making art was proclaimed a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage by UNESCO.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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