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Carpet-making. Azerbaijanians. Early 20th century. Photo-archive of the RME |
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Knotted carpet (on the left). Armenians.Turkey, Van. Late 19th century. Knotted carpet (on the right). Azerbaijanians. Early 20th century |
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"Khachkars" - memorial tombstones with inscriptions and carved ornaments. Armenians. Erivan Province. 18th-19th centuries. Photo-archive of the RME |
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Embroiderer craftsman. Azerbaijanians. Yelizavetpol Province. late 19th century. Photoarchive of the RME |
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Lace table-centre. Armenians. Erevan. The 20th century. |
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| Ornamented dish. Armenians. Mid.-20th century |
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| Horsecloth. Azerbaijanians. Early 20th century |
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Carpet selling. Azerbaijanians. Ganja. Late 19th century. Photo-archive of the RME |
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Craftsmen of Armenia and Azerbaijan
Craftsmen of Armenia and Azerbaijan
From ancient times excellent articles produced by craftsmen of Armenia and Azerbaijan were well-known not only in the Caucasus but also beyond its borders. These pieces included carpets, wood and stone carvings, embroideries, jewelry.
Weaving
From ancient times the excellent articles produced by craftsmen of Armenia and Azerbaijan were well known not only in the Caucasus but also beyond its borders. Along with knotted carpets of Azerbaijan, which were remarkable for their thickness and even short pile, Armenian flat carpets "kilims" were also very famous.
Silk fabrics were highly appreciated not only in the Caucasus but also in Russia and in the Near East. Taffeta and other silk fabrics produced in Shemakha were of high value. Azerbaijanian printed silk scarves and Armenian printed fabrics were widely spread all over the Caucasus.
Wood and stone carving
Armenian printing boards represent magnificent samples of woodcarving. Armenian carvers on wood and, especially, on stone reached the highest quality in this craft already in the ancient times and continue to preserve it on the same level up to now. As it was in olden times, carvers use geometrical and floral designs, in particular, the vine motif.
Metal processing
Among the crafts widespread in Azerbaijan since ancient times, metalwork including production of chased copper articles made of local raw materials ranked a significant place. Especially famous all over the Caucasus was production of copper craftsmen of the Lagich village mainly inhabited by the Tats.
Embroideries
While in metal works of art of Azerbaijanian craftsmen one can trace the Iranian traditions, in Azerbaijanian embroideries can be seen the traditions of the Turkic peoples who took part in the formation of the ethnic genesis of the Azerbaijanians. The embroideries done in chain stitch on cloth, velvet and satin reached its fullest flower in Azerbaijan. This kind of embroidery served as a decoration for many different objects such as cushions, covers, wall panels, details of clothing, purses, comb cases, etc. The Armenian embroidery evokes admiration by elegance of its patterns, and, especially, by archaic features of the depicted symbols. Embroidery in satin- and cross-stitch as well as the art of knitting with a needle were also widespread in Armenia. The latter technique was used for making small decorative table-clothes, and tiny lacy flowers for Armenian women's headbands.
Jewelry
Filigree jewelry shows the best correlation with the Armenian fine embroideries and laces. Armenian jewellers worked all over the Caucasus and especially there were many of them in Tiflis. Delicate pieces made by Armenian craftsmen are always light and volumetric, had plenty of filigree and many small soldered plates.
Articles produced by Armenian and Azerbaijanian craftsmen demonstrate high artistic taste of the peoples who created them.
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