Prayer Rug

DateSecond half of 18th century

MediumWool

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 68 x 50in. (172.7 x 127cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Object number1979-215

DescriptionThe indigo mihrab of this prayer rug is set close to the bottom of the central panel, with the rectangular insert only on the top instead of both top and bottom. It has a stepped/tiered top that culminates in a clover or flower. Inside the mihrab is a border of flowers, possibly lilies, in light pink or yellow around bottom and sides. The center features a tall geometric plant with ovular leaves in the same colors as the lilies. The bottom of the tall vine ends in what may be roots, but appear to be tulips. The mihrab is surrounded by a light blue ground densely dotted with brown flowers. The inner rectangle is surrounded by a border of twisting ribbon, which also separates the main central rectangle from the small insert. Around the insert, red is added to the flowers in the ribbon border. To the outside of that border, black, blue, and yellow abstract curvilinear motifs resembling either Arabic writing or florals runs along the sides, but not the top or bottom. Along the bottom is a border of four rows of black crescents. Surrounding those borders on all four sides is another wide border with a closely repeating floral design in blue, yellow, brown, and black. The colors change every few repeats. The orientation of the flowers does not change on the different sides. Around that border is another border with the same abstract motif as before, but the top and bottom have been stretched to become thinner. The outermost border is a thin dark ground with light flowers, which matches the ground patterning of the rectangular insert above the mihrab. The top and bottom of the rug have warp fringe, and the knots average 95 per inch.
Label TextThe central panel of this prayer rug is in the shape of a mihrab, or the niche in mosques that orients toward Mecca so worshipers can face Mecca while they pray. Similar in use, the mihrabs on prayer rugs would be pointed toward Mecca when used for prayer. The shape of the mihrabs in prayer rugs is often indicative of their place of origin.
InscribedNo marks or inscriptions.
ProvenanceObtained by Arthur Upham Pope, agent for E. Beghian, London;
Purchased by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller for use in Bassett Hall, 1927;
Given to CWF, 1979.

MAKER HISTORY:
As of 1920, both Kula’s and Ghiordes’ main industry was rug making.