This exquisite silk prayer rug dates to the late 18th century and is a superb example of Ottoman Turkish textile artistry. Woven entirely in silk with an extraordinary level of detail, the rug features a dramatic red mihrab flanked by delicate architectural columns, beneath a suspended lamp motif—a symbolic element in Islamic prayer rugs meant to suggest divine illumination. The surrounding field is filled with finely drawn scrolling vines, and the borders are layered with rosettes, palmettes, and cartouches in soft tones of ivory, rose, gold, and midnight blue.
Likely woven in or near Hereke, a center of imperial Turkish silk weaving, this piece would have been created either for a wealthy patron or as part of the Ottoman export trade to Europe in the late 18th century. The silk fibers lend a luminous sheen to the entire composition, which still radiates elegance despite its age. There is some even wear to the pile and scattered areas of silk loss in the field, as seen in the photographs, but the design remains fully legible and structurally sound—a remarkable survival from the Ottoman golden age of rug weaving.
This rug comes from the private collection of a prominent antique rug dealer based in Amherst, Massachusetts, known for curating fine Persian and Oriental carpets over several decades.
Shows wear consistent with age and some separation at the binding.
Local delivery available for a fee or pick up Westfield MA
Consign your treasures with us! pearlcityantiques.com
Please contact me prior to purchasing with delivery address if you would like the item shipped to you. Shipping price listed is just an estimate. Thank you!
