This antique Caucasian Lesghi gallery runner, hand-knotted circa 1870, is a superb example of the geometric precision and saturated colourwork that characterise rugs from the eastern Caucasus. Woven entirely from hand-spun wool and dyed using natural pigments, it offers a striking combination of tribal artistry and enduring craftsmanship.
Originating from the Lesghi (or Lezgi) people—an ethnic group native to the mountainous Dagestan region of the northeastern Caucasus—Lesghi rugs are renowned for their bold star medallions, intricate borders, and high knot density. Often produced in smaller village workshops or by nomadic weavers, these pieces were traditionally woven for domestic use but reflect a deep understanding of proportion, symmetry, and colour harmony.
The runner’s central field features a series of repeating Lesghi stars—a defining motif of the type—arranged in a rhythmic sequence along a soft beige ground. These angular, eight-pointed medallions are carefully spaced and intricately composed, allowing the dyer’s skill to shine through in the saturated natural tones of madder red, deep indigo, and golden ochre. The beige field acts as a visual anchor, showcasing the clarity and refinement of the dyes while allowing the geometry of the pattern to take precedence.
Surrounding the central field is a vivid Persian red main border, filled with circular, almost floral-like motifs in alternating colours. These dynamic forms introduce a lively contrast, punctuating the structure of the runner with moments of playful vibrancy. Framed further by minor guard borders, the composition is balanced and complete—demonstrating the weaver’s nuanced control of pattern and proportion.
With its extended gallery proportions, this runner would have originally been intended for use in long corridors or tented interiors. Today, it serves as both a functional textile and a cultural artefact—an enduring piece that brings historical significance, craftsmanship, and graphic beauty to any interior setting.
