Antique Tribal Geometric Late 19th Century Ivory Caucasian Shirvan Muslim Prayer Rug
$9,800.00
| Stock number | 18077 |
| Size | 3 ft 11 in x 4 ft 8 in (1.19 m x 1.42 m) |
| Origin | Caucasus |
| Age | Circa 1890 |
| Style | Shirvan |
| Materials | Wool |
| Construction | Hand Knotted Pile |
| Colors | Ivory Beige Cream White |
| Pattern | Allover, Geometric |
This nineteenth-century tribal Caucasian Shirvan rug is a superlative example of the "Scholarly Tribal" style, originating from the Shirvan district of Azerbaijan. While its neighbors in the Caucasus—the Kazak rugs—are known for bold, chunky geometry, the Shirvan weavers were celebrated for their extraordinary fine knotting and sophisticated, miniature-scale ornamentation. This specific specimen is distinguished by its rare Ivory field, a ground color that was traditionally reserved for special commission or highly symbolic textiles. The Muslim prayer rug composition is centered upon a classic Mihrab (prayer niche), which serves as a spiritual "window." In the Shirvan tradition, the arch is often rendered with architectural precision, featuring "stepped" or "serrated" edges.