KAZAK KARATCHOFF. A highly original and rare wool velvet carpet on a wool foundation, featuring a pattern of stylized diamond mosaics on a ruby-red field and four symmetrically arranged crenellated canopies adorned with a central cruciform medallion (Armenian cross) in Prussian blue abrash (natural variation in wool color) inlaid with endless knots, animals, birds, rows of geometric star-shaped flowers, and geometrically stylized crabs and tarantulas. Triple borders, the main one of which is highly original and distinctive, featuring a scattered pattern of cartouches with ends shaped like geometrically stylized ram’s horns in polychrome, inlaid with endless knots and multicolored floral buds. Caucasus, Armenia, late 19th century. Length: 169 cm - Width: 122 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: Armen Hengeldian; Albert Achdjian; Hermann; Dr. Thompson; Ulrich Schurmann; Ian Bennett. Appraisal conducted by Mr. Frank KASSAPIAN - 06 58 68 52 26