Page 11 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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Azerbaijani carpets / TABRIZ GROUP
composition mainly consists of animal and human figures with
ornamental element and there are several different depictions of
this motif. Some of them depict the hunting of wild animals and
birds by people and, finally the struggle of the animals. Though
the ornaments are different for each composition, spiral branches
expressing the forest and trees are a constant feature of “ovchulug”
carpets. In some cases, this artistic role is played not by spirals, but
simply in the depiction of a small tree or bush. The composition of
“ovchulug” consists not only of ornamental elements, but also of
human and animal figures depicted between the spirals, trees, and
bushes. Depictions of people and animals either in movement or
in still positions prevail in the compositions. Often gazelle, deer,
goat, jackal, hare and other animal figures, as well as figures of
other beasts such as tiger, wolf and leopard are seen in “ovchulug”
carpets. Spreading them along the carpet, sometimes the scene of
the tearing of the animal by a beast forms the basis of the plot. In
hunting motifs, the hunter is depicted with his constant assistants:
a hound and a horse. Mythological characters, such as the struggle
of Simurgh with the dragon, and also motifs taken from Central
Asian and Middle Eastern compositions, as well as Azerbaijani my-
thology are reflected in some compositions. These plots show the
hunters on horseback or walking.
To give the carpets a convincing look, carpet weavers included
arrows, bows, nets, traps, and other items necessary for hunting
and these items became the typical elements of weaving specimens
of “ovchulug” carpets.
Among the perfect specimens of “ovchulug” compositions pre-
served in modern times one can find carpets dating back to the 16th
century and kept in Azerbaijani museums, as well as at the Victo-
ria and Albert Museum and the Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan,
Italy. This carpet whose general appearance is similar to the classic
“Lechekturunj” composition is said to have once decorated the pal-
ace of a Safavid ruler. Another possibility is that the design of the
“ovchulug” carpet was drawn by miniaturist Sultan Mahammed.
The artistic content of the hunting scene has similarity with artistic
traditions relating to miniatures of that times and its general ap-
pearance is similar to the “Shahovu” miniature.
The artistic features of the carpet kept at present at the Victoria
and Albert Museum and woven with golden and silver threads in
Tabriz in the 16th century is highly appreciated among “ovchulug”
compositions. It appears almost as though the animals are mov-
ing. Among motifs of a tiger tearing a deer it is memorable due to
its vivid description. Completion of this unique work of art with
its three-corner cupolas and angels provided dissimilarity in its
composition. Tiger, lion, wolf, deer and other animal figures are
depicted with flower patterns in this small carpet.
Coordination of animal and bird figures with ornamental and
calligraphy writing in the carpet (16th century) kept at the Metro-
politan Museum where silver threads were used ensured the cre-
ation of a perfect work of art. Another carpet (16th century) with
an animal motif kept at the same museum was woven with metal
threads and the successful composition with nabat ornaments re-
flects the struggle of the animals.
In addition to nabat patterns, animal figures with ornamental ap-
pearances were used in Tabriz group of carpets. The pattern field of
such carpets is very attractive. Animal and bird figures are includ-
ed in cheshni together with most ornaments in many Azerbaijani
Carpet fragment. Wool, pile weave. Middle of 16th
century. Tabriz Group. Azerbaijan.
Metropoliten Museum. New York.