A South Caucasian prayer rug,

With its diminutive mihrab arch, oversized central octagon, and silk wefts the present lot is one of eight known finely woven and dated South Caucasian prayer rugs, see Ralph Kaffel, Caucasian Prayer Rugs, London, 1998, p. 177.  The dates for these rugs range from the third quarter of the eighteenth century through the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Both the varied and lively colors of the piece and geometic motifs are typical of many Caucasian rugs. The large central octagon flanked by four triangular shapes, rosettes and smaller octagons are design elements more common to Anatolian rugs. The use of silk is atypical for most Caucasian works and it is also found in pieces woven in larger workshops that show the influence of Persian prototypes such as carpets of  the 'shield' group and those of 'Dragon' design.  It has been suggested that the employment of silk indicates that these prayer rugs were made as presentation pieces or for other special occasions, see Kaffel, Ralph, ibid., pg. 124. This hypothesis can be further supported by interpreting the four-pronged motif at the center to be symbolic of birth and renewal, see Herrmann, Eberhart, Asiatische Teppich- und Textilkunst, vol. 2,  München, 1990, pg. 70, where the author also notes that this life-motif can be associated with the ancient Persian Mithras cult. As the Southern Caucasus borders both Anatolia and Persia, the amalgamation of different materials and design elements, while using Caucasian motifs and dyes, should be expected. The border of starflowers on the lot offered here differs from its counterparts which all have a small-cartouche major border.  For similar prayer rugs see Herrmann, op. cit., pl. 31; Christie's London, 13 October 2005, lot 38; Kaffel, op. cit., fig. 31 and pg. 177 where he lists the known published examples in chronological order.  The present rug would tie for second oldest of the group, and in its brilliant color, lustrous wool and intricate design exemplifies the best of Caucasian weaving.