Code: MOG71
Age: circa 1860-1870
Size: 85 x 150cm
Size (ft): 2'9"x4'11"
Structure: wool pile, ivory wool warps and ivory wool wefts.
Knots: Gördes (Turkish, symmetrical)
Condition: Good luxurious pile. Perfectly preserved colors. Very minor old repairs.
Description: The central field is arranged in a latticed design formed by interconnected geometric palmettes. Within the mihrab are small polychrome diamond-shaped (baklava) motifs. The spandrels are decorated with various floral elements, while to the right and left of the mihrab there are depictions of two horses. These figural elements may suggest an association with a nomadic group context.
The ivory border is ornamented with geometric tree-like or flowerhead motifs.
The wool quality and dye palette are consistent with those observed in rugs woven prior to the 1870s. The date inscription inside the mihrab is either illegible or ambiguous, appearing as 2212 or 6616, written in a lunar-calendar notation. The “Y”-shaped numeral should most plausibly be read as “2” in this context. It is likely that the weaver, while copying a date from another carpet, did so inaccurately or without full understanding. As such, the inscription should be regarded as secondary evidence rather than a reliable chronological marker. Nevertheless, it may still suggest an earlier period, plausibly prior to the Hijri 1300s (1882–83 AD).
The chromatic range further supports an early attribution. The palette includes rare early tones such as old purple, light aqua green, vivid red, unfaded yellow, coral, and beige, all of which are characteristic of early, non-industrial dyeing practices.
For comparison, a similar prayer rug is illustrated as plate 32 in Ralph Kaffel's Caucasian Prayer Rugs:
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