Antique Dated Shirvan Prayer Rug

Period: 1855
Origin: Shirvan, Caucasus
Dimensions: 132 x 160 cm

This rare middle of the 19th century Caucasian Prayer Shirvan rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic floral composition featuring an ivory ground densely populated with a staggered array of multi colored floral shrubs and geometric rosettes. This structural balance between the luminous ivory field and the delicate floral trellis reflects the pinnacle of the East Caucasian weaving tradition, specifically from the Shirvan district known for its technical precision and sophisticated graphic layouts. Dated 1271 (1855), this piece stands as a world renowned historical document, offering a rare glimpse into the specific aesthetic preferences of mid 19th century Caucasian weavers.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary ivory ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of madder red, midnight indigo, sky blue, and golden yellow. These rich and enduring tones achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 170 years ago exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest 19th century Shirvan productions. The inclusion of a complex multi layered border system anchored by a vibrant madder red primary border with rhythmic geometric medallions creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the Shirvan master weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically fine dense pile and a crisp resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines specifically the intricate floral sprays within the prayer niche and the precise geometric guard borders and the presence of significant harmonious abrash within the red and blue sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately this Caucasian Shirvan prayer rug stands as a premier example of tribal art representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 2729

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