Konya Prayer rug, mid 19th century

Measurements: 194cm x 110cm (6’4 x 3’7)

20 Knots per inch

Price: £1,500

This is an intriguing rug. I believe it to have good age, possibly earlier than stated but I prefer to be cautious when dating rugs. The weave is floppy with 3-5 wefts of alternating colours between each row of knots. There are at least 7 different coloured wefts which affects the overall palette when seen from the front. The knots are also very big which gives the design a crude appearance. As with many prayer rugs it was woven upside down, that is the prayer arch completed first. The most likely explanation being that the weaver could be sure they wouldn’t run out of warp before the critical point. I love the rich colours and soft wool, the light blue has wonderful abrash and the mutlicoloured diamonds that float over it reminds one of the finest stained glass windows. Altogether a beautiful rug.

Condition:

Low pile in places with the multi-coloured wefts showing through. The sides and ends are original and complete.