Cushion Cover with Design of Four-armed Cross Centered in an Octagon

At the center of this cushion cover is a yellow, stylized cross. Around this cross is a larger, highly decorated cross on a cream background enclosed by an octagon with a cream border of S-shaped motifs. The outermost border of this textile is also on a cream background and features a scrolling floral pattern. Just inside this outer border, hexagonal, decorated sections occupy the four inner corners with irregular oblongs between them.

All of these angular and hooked patterns and geometric forms originated in woven carpet designs. Until the 19th century, the eastern Caucasus region (present-day Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, northern Iran, southern Russia, and eastern Turkey) was dominated by Persia (present-day Iran). Therefore, Persian artistic influence is apparent in many textiles from the Caucasus area, including carpets and cushion covers such as this example. Cushions, placed on the floor for seating, were an essential part of homes in the Caucasus. Embroidery is one of several techniques used to make these colorful textiles.