Strawberry

A floral motif influenced by those you typically find in Bessarabian rugs, with bright red rosettes of flowers framed by green curling leaves, repeating on a black or brown background.

Originating on the western shore of the Black Sea in Ukraine and Moldova, this folk-art tradition began by copying French rugs, Aubusson and Savonnerie, which were bought back East by the aristocracy and then imitated for the merchant class.

Here the form is taken to a logically abstract conclusion with all the elements becoming impressionistic shapes which tumble across the carpet.

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Part of the Watercolours collection.