KAZAK BORCHALOU. A very rare and original wool velvet rug on a wool foundation, decorated with eleven octagonal medallions inlaid with geometrically stylized crabs and tarantulas in polychrome, framing two medallions (one rectangular and the other square) inlaid with hourglasses, tarantulas, crabs, and multicolored cruciform star-shaped flowers on a brick-red field. Main border featuring hook and spearhead motifs forming stylized hearts (all of God’s love on earth). Caucasus, Armenia, late 19th century. Length: 202 cm - Width: 138 cm Provenance: Private collection assembled by Mr. F., a French industrialist who lived in several countries in the South Caucasus and Russia before and after the collapse of the former Soviet Union. Bibliography: Ian Bennett; Dr. Thompson; Ulrich Schurmann; Albert Achdjian; Armen Hengeldian; Edwin Gans-Ruedin; Fabio Formenton; Roger Bechirian; Robert de Calatchi. Appraisal conducted by Mr. Frank KASSAPIAN - 06 58 68 52 26