Early Mudjur Prayer Rug
173 x 145 cm (5' 8" x 4' 9")
Turkey, first half 19th century
Condition: very good according to age, mostly good pile, lower end slightly incomplete, corroded dark brown, scattered small repairs
Compare: "Antike Orientteppiche aus österreichischem Besitz", TKF, 1986, plate 34
Warp: wool, weft: wool, pile: wool

An exemplary example of an all-time classic renowned for its fine weave and large array of colors. Over the contemplative deep red field, in the green spandrels are water jugs, reminding the faithful of the washings before prayer.
The dark panel over the spandrels however is not that easy to read. Only in comparison with other carpet types like the Transylvanians one can understand that these are tulips, so loved in Ottoman times.
Next to the serene center field the borders are full of intricate detail. The well-known main border struck us with its many colors. Upon closer inspection we discover a little anomaly in the upper left where the main motif has been shrunk to accommodate a proper corner solution. On the bottom left is the counterpart.
Putting them on opposite sides hides them perfectly. The delightful inner minor border consists of stacked diamonds that are placed on top of other staked diamonds, which allow the ground color to show through. The outer minor border is a different kettle of fish altogether and speaks a different design language.
Arrow crosses with hooks are found on the upper and lower end whilst on the left and right they are interspersed with a more complex motif. Both are more at home in a village and nomadic context.