Sewan Rugs

Antique Sewan rugs — also spelled Sevan — are a distinctive and historically significant group of Caucasian Kazak hand-knotted carpets named for the region around Lake Sevan in the southeastern Caucasus, near today’s Armenia and Azerbaijan. These rugs are prized for their bold geometric compositions and striking medallion designs, which stand out for their clarity, symmetry, and visual energy within the broader Kazak weaving tradition.

Characteristic Sewan rugs often feature a large cruciform or octagonal central medallion — sometimes referred to as a shield — rendered in vivid colors such as rich reds, deep blues, warm ivories, and earthy greens. This central motif is typically surrounded by complementary tribal symbols like ram’s horns, stylized trees, and hooked devices, creating a design that speaks to both the artistic heritage and symbolic language of Caucasian weaving.

Woven with hand-spun wool and traditional vegetable dyes, Sewan Kazak rugs combine visual strength with enduring craftsmanship, resulting in pieces that are both decoratively commanding and structurally resilient. Whether showcased as focal points in a living space or layered into more eclectic décor schemes, these rugs bring historic charm, tribal artistry, and vibrant color dynamics to interiors.