Karachopf Kazak

This Karachopf Kazak from the Caucasus draws the classic large white octagonal medallion just slightly off-center in this playful rendition of the type. The top and bottom halves form distinct hemispheres where similar design elements are rendered quite differently. The central medallion itself is demarcated on the top with a dark-blue box while on the bottom a similar box is drawn in sky blue. Elements in the top third are drawn in a larger scale with red latch-hooks creating bold areas of negative space from the complementary contrasting green ground. In the bottom third, a smaller area leads to smaller scale with an emphasis on a clear row of colorful boxes. Interestingly, the weaver started at the bottom seemingly with a planned notion of gradual organic growth. The piece is framed with a golden main border of a type derived from classical Holbein design of the sixteenth century.