Shirvan rug (296)

Shirvan prayer rug from eastern Caucasus,west coast of the Caspian Sea

Age: dated 1292=1875 Christian date

Measurements: 4′.9″x3′.7″ (145×109 cm)

The cream ground under the arch is decorated with an hexagonal lattice displaying a variety of colorful stylized flowers.This pattern continues in a modified form in the spandrels.The faceted mihrab arch has red sawtooth edges around a dark blue band with rosettes.The unusual main border consists of color paired triangles in various shades.The gold outer minor border and the inner blue minor are decorated with stylized rosettes.In addition,the red ground innermost stripe has an ivory “S” pattern.The colors are from natural sources.The weave is tight and compact.The condition of the rug is very good.