Title: Niche Rug
Date: circa 1570–80
Location: probably Central Iran (Qazvin, Qum, Isfahan or Kashan)
Materials: wool pile with metal thread, on a silk foundation; asymmetrical knot
Dimensions: 164 x 102cm
Accession Number: TXT 236
Other Notes:
This is one of four identical niche carpets, with spiral arabesque scroll filling and cartouches with the Ayat al-Kursi (surah al-Baqarah, II, verse 255) and verse 56 of the surah al-Ahzab (XXXIII). These verses are an integral part of Shi‘ite daily prayers. The niche design of these carpets suggests that they would have been hung on a wall facing Mecca, to serve as a mihrab [see TXT 186, TXT 198 for Ottoman examples].
Bibliography:
J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.398, p.335.
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