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The Historic Prayer Rug at Iran’s National Museum
The Iran National Museum in Tehran houses a rare 16th-century prayer rug believed to have originated from Kashan. Measuring 195 x 108 cm, it features 675,000 Persian knots per square meter and is crafted with silk warp and weft, a wool pile, and brocaded silver thread.
Though attributed to Tabriz by the museum and scholar Arthur Upham Pope, the use of Persian knots suggests it may have been woven in central Iran, possibly Isfahan. The rug is adorned with Quranic verses and intricate silver threadwork. Despite its artistic and historical significance, it remains in poor condition, highlighting the need for preservation.
The Prayer Rug at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
The 16th-century Persian prayer rug at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is a masterpiece of Safavid-era craftsmanship. Originating from northwest Persia, it features an intricate cupola-shaped mihrab adorned with palmettes, leaves, flowers, and cloud-bands. Measuring 161 x 105 cm, this rug boasts an astonishing 1,000,000 knots per square meter, showcasing exceptional weaving precision.
Crafted with a light brown cotton warp, natural brown wool weft, and a fine wool pile, it is further enriched with silver-thread brocading wrapped around a silk core, adding a touch of luxury. The rug also features Qur’anic inscriptions in Nasr script, praising Allah, enhancing its spiritual significance.
This historic rug exemplifies the golden age of Persian carpet weaving, blending artistry and devotion, and remains a treasured exhibit at The Met, captivating visitors with its beauty and heritage.