Shirvan Prayer Rug

Diagonal rows of multi-colored latch-hook diamonds stripe across the ivory field of this classic Caucasian Shirvan prayer rug from the Caspian region of Azerbaijan. In the style of folk weaving from the region, an array of stylized animals and even abstract primitive human forms may be found in the spandrels flanking the bold mihrab niche. This charming piece bears a date from the early nineteenth century, although this is most likely commemorative or evidence that it was copied from an earlier heirloom example.