A Unique Type of Kyrgyz Carpet
In the compositional structure of the central field, rhythmic placement of ornamental motifs is primarily noted. The carpet is not overloaded with diverse patterns, which is typical, for example, for Caucasian carpet products. The uniformity in the construction of the rapport or two to three repetitions gives the Kyrgyz carpet its distinctive appearance. Several types of compositions of the central field are identified:
1. The central field is divided into two, three, six, or ten longitudinal stripes, into which patterns are introduced.
Two variants are noted: a) the background color of the stripes alternates and the patterns change color accordingly; b) only the colors of the patterns alternate, while the background remains uniform. The presence of stripes in the composition, as noted by V. G. Moshkova, suggests that a more ancient form of the carpet consists of sewn carpet runners woven on a narrow loom.
The ornaments vary, but often include rounded rosettes, diamonds with branches. Among the Kyrgyz group of Kydyrsha, images of flowers and branches with leaves were favored in the past.
2. On a monochrome central field, homogeneous patterns in color and shape are arranged in a longitudinal and transverse direction. The patterns include small floral rosettes, squares, combinations of four "S" shapes, and others.
In such a carpet design, one option is to consider the connection of all patterns with straight or broken lines, referred to by artisans as chatyshma (entangled).
3. The entire central field is divided into squares or rectangles (2-4 in width and 4-8 in length), separated by patterned stripes. Each rectangle is filled with a pattern on a blue or red background. The rectangles or squares are arranged diagonally by color and pattern. Each individual section creates the impression of a small mat type "ayak koychu," "bashtyk."
This type of composition is also developed in Kyrgyz mats made of chiy. Carpets of this type are widely spread in the western part of the Osh region.
4. The entire central field consists of multi-tiered frames of a cross shape, with a homogeneous pattern of the same shape incorporated within them. The patterns and lines of the frames are given in one color, different from the background. In this composition, there are usually two types of patterns: karakalpak kochot and mashaty, each of which has many variations.
A variation of such a composition can be considered the introduction of two different patterns in shape and color with diagonal placement.
The placement of a cross-shaped pattern of the type "karakalpak kochot" is known in Andijan carpets and among the Karakalpaks.
It should be noted that a similar solution is also observed in Kyrgyz patterned mats.
5. The central field is occupied by hexagons or octagons arranged in a tiled layout. Each polygon contains a pattern. The most characteristic among them are the diamond or stepped polygon with hooks.
The spaces between the polygons are either free or filled with a pattern.
Such carpets are predominantly found in the western part of the Osh region, and artisans refer to such compositions as "kalkan" (shield) or "kal" (birthmark). A similar solution for the central field, as well as the naming of the carpet's decoration, is also noted in Samarkand carpets.
The tiled arrangement of medallions with patterns is also found in chiy mats.
6. Along the central field of the carpet, broken ornamental stripes run, forming seemingly closing squares or diamonds, which are filled with homogeneous (or very similar) patterns with several variations.
The remaining free spaces on the field are occupied by motifs of the same pattern or patterns of a different shape.
This composition is considered complex to execute and is called kunava. Carpets with such a structure are predominantly found in the western regions of the area. A similar solution in the decoration of the central field exists in Andijan carpets -
Characteristic of the decoration of carpets of this type is a pattern called mashaty by Kyrgyz artisans. It has distinctive outlines and is known in Beshir carpets. In Kyrgyz carpet ornamentation, this pattern is often included in a cross, diamond, or square. It should be noted that "mashaty" is usually combined with ornamental stripes filled with small figures resembling birds, but called kytzyr Loyun (curved neck). Carpets of a similar nature are noted among the Kyrgyz group of Kydyrsha.
This type of composition is also developed in patterned chiy mats.
7. The central field along the horizontal axis contains two to three large medallions in the shape of a stepped polygon or square, diamond, or elongated rectangle. The free spaces are filled with the repeating ornamental motif "karakalpak kochot." This composition is referred to by Kyrgyz artisans as yshkana kilem.
It is noted in carpets produced predominantly in the Batken and Laylak districts. Currently, carpets of this type are prepared by Kyrgyz women for sale, and it is becoming typical for the specified territory.
8. The entire central field contains homogeneous large patterns connected by a common composition. They represent various options of the developed "horns" pattern, branching from a diamond. Such carpets are characteristic of the Kyrgyz and are found everywhere in the south. A similar composition is also typical for chiy mats.
9. This type includes carpets whose central field is occupied by distinctive patterns developed by artisans based on the ornamentation of Uzbek artisanal silk fabrics. Such innovations in carpets are observed in the western regions of the area. As noted above, similar motifs were also developed in chiy mats. It is believed that the appearance of these patterns on carpets and mats occurred simultaneously.
Kyrgyz Ancient Carpet Products