KAZAK SEVAN. A rare and exceptional wool velvet carpet on a wool foundation, featuring a design of stylized branches adorned with a large central medallion in the shape of a shield and an emerald-green Armenian cross, ivory and brick, inlaid with hooks shaped like ram’s horns, hunters’ arrows, and multicolored star-shaped flowers on a ruby-red field. Main border featuring a mosaic design of stylized pyramids (a symbol of immortality) arranged in a polychrome puzzle pattern. Caucasus, Armenia, late 19th century. Length: 226 cm - Width: 166 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, Caucasian Rugs from Three Lebanese Collections; Ulrich Schurmann, *Caucasian Rugs*; Edwin Gans - Ruedin, *The Caucasian Rug*; Albert Achdjian, Armen Hengeldian, Roger Bechirian. Appraisal conducted by Mr. Frank KASSAPIAN - 06 58 68 52 26