Size: 3 ft 2 in x 4 ft 8 in (0.97 m x 1.42 m) - Shirvan Rug, Caucasus, Late 19th Century - This antique Caucasian prayer rug embodies the gestalt of Shirvan style. In an archetypal Shirvan fashion, weavers combine rustic details and traditional compositional elements to develop a stately design enhanced by tribal symbols. The midnight blue field is lined with angular botanical figures that create tension between the strongly colored ground and crisp foreground motifs, which are outlined by crimson lines and dotted with protection symbols. These decorations and the strong composition of the directional field and angular prayer niche are balanced by multiple sets of high-impact borders, including barber-pole accents, protective crenellated fences, rosette chains and kufesque motifs.

Caucasian prayer rug. Embodies beautiful multiple guard borders framing a blue background prayer design. Late 19th century. Overall condition is good with overcast ends and redone sides.