Lot Essay
The knot count measures approximately 10V x 10H knots per cm. sq.
The design of these two unusual long rugs are based quite faithfully on the 'Salting' prayer rug in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (acc.no.17.120.124). It was widely published in the early 20th century in books such as Arthur Upham Pope's Survey of Persian Art, enabling weavers to scrutinise the design and make their own versions of it. The original rug includes extensive use of calligraphy, with the apotropaic 'throne verse' of the Qur'an at the upper end in the borders, and the phrase Allahu akbar in a central cartouche. The design on our rugs only departs from the original in the elongation of the design. The 'Salting' prayer rug design was popular with Kashan weavers, and another prayer rug inspired by it was in the George Farrow collection, sold in these Rooms, 25 April 2024, lot 209.
The design of these two unusual long rugs are based quite faithfully on the 'Salting' prayer rug in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (acc.no.17.120.124). It was widely published in the early 20th century in books such as Arthur Upham Pope's Survey of Persian Art, enabling weavers to scrutinise the design and make their own versions of it. The original rug includes extensive use of calligraphy, with the apotropaic 'throne verse' of the Qur'an at the upper end in the borders, and the phrase Allahu akbar in a central cartouche. The design on our rugs only departs from the original in the elongation of the design. The 'Salting' prayer rug design was popular with Kashan weavers, and another prayer rug inspired by it was in the George Farrow collection, sold in these Rooms, 25 April 2024, lot 209.