Tabriz Prayer Rug 1900
Tabriz Prayer Rug circa 1900
4.1 feet x 5.8
Acquired from an Istanbul dealer
A strange mystery exists. Why are the vast majority of prayer rugs on the market from the Caucasus? We have never been able to solve this. The population in Persia is much greater and prayer rugs are ubiquitous throughout both countries. Persia holds 7 times the population of the wider Caucasus.
At all events, it is wonderful to observe the refined traditions of Tabriz weaving in a prayer rug format, with its elegance and grace.
This piece is fundamentally sound and strong, usuable , though it has a horizontal worn area across the upper half . Unsurprisingly, the owner’s hands and head touched this area in regular prayer. This wear in our opinion, adds to the personality of the rug, which again is not distressed. We do not deal in shabby chic ……because, well, we don’t think shabby is chic. But no offense to those who do, good luck to them.
This piece has great character. To our eyes its overall appeal is enhanced by a slightly faded and minimally worn appearance. It looks old and distinguished.
Along with Isfahan and Kashan, Tabriz has historically been a center for amongst the most refined, highest knots per square inch, formal and court carpets. The Tabriz weaving tradition has produced male designers of fame, and its name has been well known by western consumers for well over a century.
The design of this piece harks back to the glories of Tabriz during the golden age of weaving during the Safavid Dynastic period, in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The graceful tree of life underneath the Mihrab is delicately woven in the manner of an urban carpet. It is sharply etched as are the side pillars. The mantel above the Mihrab is equally fine and intricate. The soft blues, greens and greys combine beautifully – against the quite unusual rust color. This may have been achieved by combing walnut shells to madder root in the die vat, with an addition of yellow flower petals.
It was very likely a special commission by a prominent individual and no doubt a deeply personal possession.
This rug is ideal for light medium wear indefinitely, in a den, TV room, or on a large wall – where its impact artistically, would project and bring an historical feel of “Arabiana” to the décor.
$4,200
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