Prayer Rug

DateSecond half of 18th century

MediumWool

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 72 x 47in. (182.9 x 119.4cm)

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

Object number1979-219

DescriptionThe central mihrab of this prayer rug features a dark blue ground and is set above the bottom on the central rectangular panel. Unlike many of the other prayer rugs in the collection, its top is not stepped. Small flowers grow from the sides of the mihrab. The top is a thin band with florals on inside. An elaborate lamp decorated with either stars or very geometric flowers hangs from the center top of the mihrab, stretching all the way to the bottom. Two rows of the same flowers or stars flank the lamp column.

The mihrab is set into a ground of light blue with beige or yellow flowers. The flowers were described in 1921 as “mustard yellow.” A rectangular insert sits at the top of the panel with carnations and spiky flowers.

The inner border features black, blue, and yellow abstract curvilinear motifs resembling either Arabic writing or florals, followed by another border of the same design at approximately twice the width. Surrounding that are seven thin borders that alternate between light blue ground with white flowers and white ground with dark and light flowers. The black, blue, and yellow abstract border is again repeated as the outermost border.

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.
ProvenancePurchased by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller for Bassett Hall, 1921;
Given to CWF, 1979.

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