Karabagh rugs come from the southern Caucasus, a region with an unusually cosmopolitan weaving history. Alongside the expected bold tribal geometry, Karabagh weavers famously absorbed European taste in the nineteenth century, producing rugs with realistic roses and French Aubusson-style florals — the celebrated "Karabagh rose" designs — on dark grounds.

They also wove in long, narrow gallery formats, which makes Karabagh a good place to look for characterful runners and unusual sizes.