An Oriental carpet is more than a decorative piece – it is a woven revelation, where sacred meanings are intertwined with the symbols of power and prestige. In Caucasian and Eastern cultures, it served as a kind of 'passport' for its owner: the complexity of the ornament and the quality of the wool directly indicated the wealth and social standing of the family.

The symbolic role of the carpet is multifaceted:
     —    A model of the universe: the center of the carpet (the medallion) symbolizes the sun or the origin of life, while the borders represent the boundaries between the earthly and spiritual worlds;
     —    A protective amulet: ancient ornaments (guls, rhombuses, and stylized animals) acted as talismans, shielding the home from the evil eye and bringing good fortune;
     —    A space of hospitality: a spread carpet instantly transformed any set – from a nomad’s tent to a formal restaurant hall – into a zone of trust and honour.

Within the context of the 'In the Footsteps of Pechorin' exhibition, a carpet highlights the oriental flavour of the period, serving as a silent witness to the era and the rugged mountain way of life. It acts as a visual bridge between the world of the Caucasian aristocracy and military life of the protagonist. In the interiors of that time, a carpet became a pivotal decorative accent, embodying the harsh spirit of the frontier and the restless romanticism of 'A Hero of Our Time'.

A rare kilim carpet, woven between the 1890s and 1920s and provided by Evgeny Choutko’s 'Atelier CHOUTKO' gallery, is now on display at the new temporary exhibition, 'In the Footsteps of Pechorin.'
Museum 'Collection' extends its sincere gratitude to Evgeny Choutko and the Atelier CHOUTKO gallery for providing this unique exhibit, which has become one of the focal points of the exhibition.