Antique Shirvan Prayer Rug

Period: Mid 19th Century
Origin: Caucasus
Dimensions: 95 x 152 cm

This rare mid 19th century Shirvan prayer rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic composition featuring a magnificent architectural mihrab framing an intricate field of repeating geometric diamond motifs. This structural balance between the prominent ivory field complete with its structured rows of colorful compartments, surrounding symbolic hand motifs, and the complex multi layered borders reflects the pinnacle of traditional Caucasus fine craftsmanship world-renowned for its bold iconography, decorative clarity, and majestic graphic presence. Textiles of this antiquity are celebrated for their ability to blend highly expressive religious and tribal design narratives with a striking, geometric abstraction.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary luminous ivory canvas that allows the vibrant touches of saturated madder red, deep indigo blue, and warm multi-colored accents to step forward dynamically. These rich and enduring tones achieved through the expert application of natural vegetable dyes over 170 years ago exhibit a characteristic gentle patina, soft historic abrash, and an organic textile texture that are hallmarks of the finest mid 19th century Caucasian regional productions. The multi-layered framing borders featuring characteristic polychrome geometric and star bands create a powerful visual boundary that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the weaver.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand-spun wool with a characteristically resilient, tight knotting structure and a supple yet firm handle tailored for refined aesthetic spaces. The exceptional clarity of the intricate geometric outlines, specifically the perfectly balanced symmetry of the central prayer niche and corresponding tribal borders, definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic mid 19th century Shirvan prayer production. Ultimately, this decorative textile stands as a premier example of classical Caucasian art representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global collectors.

Stock No: 2215

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