On May 20, the exhibition A Meeting of Nobles will open at the Shusha Branch of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. The exhibition will showcase two early 20th-century carpets—Meeting of Nobles and Baghchada Gullar (Flowers in the Garden)—from the museum’s collection.
These carpets, belonging to the Shusha group of the Karabakh carpet type, are notable for their high pile, vibrant colors, and delicate weaving techniques.
Beginning in the second half of the 19th century, various goods were imported into Azerbaijan from Russia. The Baghchada Gullar carpet is one of the well-known compositions created by Shusha craftsmen, inspired by designs found on these imported products.
In addition to ornamental pieces, narrative or “plotted” carpets such as A Meeting of Nobles were also woven in Shusha, primarily in the early 20th century. This particular artwork features a scene depicting three men seated on a podium covered with a Shusha carpet, engaged in conversation and smoking a hookah. The figures are portrayed true to the period—reclining on pillows and dressed in richly patterned garments made of fine fabrics.
The central fields of these carpets are filled with realistic elements and are framed by floral borders. Noteworthy features also include the inclusion of dates and verses from classical literature, reflecting the artistic and cultural depth of the period.
