Antique Iranian Qalamkar prayer mat

Antique Iranian Qalamkar prayer mat
Persian, Late 19th Century
Height 135cm, width 94cm
 
The prayer mat or rug was hand made in Isfahan by Iranian makers. A traditional, 400 year old Iranian woodblock printing technique was utilised to create this important religious piece.
 
Shades of red, blue and green are applied on the cream coloured cotton base. The shapes which the restrained colour palette fill were hand stamped onto the cotton using the woodblock printing technique. The darker coloured outlines ensure the patterns featuring foliage are easily recognizable.
 
Safavid architecture acted as the inspiration for the motifs on the prayer mat and the overall design present seems to be inspired by the façade of a mosque. The prayer niche or mihrab depicted in the centre of the mat is similar in design to the arch-shaped prayer niche in a mosque. Other design features surrounding it are very similar to the ones depicted in the entryway to the sacred place of prayer.
 
Arabic markings are visible in the bottom centre of the piece.
 
A demonstration of a traditional Iranian craft as well as an important religious item, the prayer mat would be a desirable addition to one’s collection of Persian treasures.