Antique Dragon Sumac Carpets

NOTES FROM THE INTERNET

"Ajdahali  or Khatai or Dragon Sumacs from present-day Azerbaijan

The basis of the Khatai composition is long-bent shaped branches.

They are bent downwards from the bottom and have cracked edges.

Among the branches are a large number of stylized elements called Afshangulu (“afshan” – fresh flower) of Afshan composition.

In the center field of the Khatai carpets, dragons or other mythical animals were often depicted.

Dragon descriptions have been conjectured to have come to Azerbaijan with Mongols, especially with Uygurs.

The classic “Dragon” carpets contain palmettes between the branches and by sides, dragons that protect them.

This motif has ancient Asia roots and is widely used in Azerbaijani Art."

***