Antique Iranian Kalamkari prayer mat

Antique Iranian Kalamkari prayer mat

Persian, Late 19th Century

Height 128cm, width 92cm



Crafted in the late 19th century by skilled Iranian craftsmen, this cotton prayer mat features a plethora of religious and nature-inspired motifs.



Its surface is adorned with a selection of patterns and motifs created using the traditional woodblock printing technique called kalamkari (or Qalamkari). The 400 years old technique originating from Isfahan, utilises only natural and local materials, celebrating and supporting the local communities.



A selection of repetitive, organic motifs adorns the cotton textile. The patterns are coloured in various shades of red, cream, and blue, their design inspired by religious Islamic architecture, in particular that of a mosque. The central prayer niche (also called a mihrab) is identical in shape to that of the arch-shaped prayer niches found in mosques. Arabic markings feature above it.



This Persian prayer mat is an important religious item and can be used as a wall hanging in both traditional and contemporary interior spaces.



Artist/Maker: N/A

Materials: Textile

Ref: N-0120F



$4,500