Obruk prayer kilim

This prayer kilim was woven near the town of Obruk in north-central Anatolia during the later nineteenth century as indicated by the inscribed date. The large pointed prayer niche or mihrab, is rendered in red with tree of life motif both within it and in its spandrels and is placed against a blue ground. The rams’ horn design of the niche is a classic feature of Turkish prayer rugs and is articulated quite well in this piece. The drawing is quite crisp throughout. This piece is in excellent condition.