GHIORDES PRAYER ANTIQUE

170 x 102

A collection piece, this is a stunning 19th century Ottoman prayer rug. I found this in a flea market in Paris years ago and bought it for my dad. It has now come to me again. In a sense, this prayer carpet presents a picture of the Garden of Eden, blossoming with scented roses and pulling the faithful in.

The field (and border) is of pristine white, a sheer abstraction that tantalizes the gaze. The mehrab prayer arch rises (floats?) gracefully all the way from the bottom to the tip of the field without ever touching its edge. It is composed entirely of red roses. Within we see a flowering vase with beautiful geranium flowers. 

Perfect condition, circa 1850