Vintage Shirvan Prayer Rug, Hand-Knotted Wool, Tribal Design

An authentic village-woven Caucasian prayer rug with a dramatic mihrab field, twin hanging lamps, and crisp geometric borders. Finely hand-knotted in soft wool with a jewel-tone palette (madder reds, emerald, turquoise, ivory, amber, lilac), this compact piece works beautifully on the floor or as a wall hanging for collectors of true tribal craft.


Weaving tradition & structure. The tight handle, short resilient pile, and crisp drawing point to the Shirvan/Kuba school of the Eastern Caucasus. On the back, the knots appear symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes) and packed with firm wefts—typical of Caucasian village rugs. Guard stripes and the main border are rendered with excellent precision, further supporting a Shirvan attribution.

Field & motifs. The field is arranged as a prayer niche (mihrab) with a soft, scalloped arch rising to an architectural pediment. Two hanging mosque lamps and flanking column motifs anchor the design. Throughout the navy and red ground you’ll find amulets, rosettes, stylized carnations, combs, rams’-horns, latch-hooks and tiny stars—protective and auspicious symbols in Caucasian tribal weaving.

Borders & naqsha (design logic). A narrow ivory inner star border frames the mihrab panel, followed by a powerful running “kufic-like” main border of angular, interlocking motifs (a signature of many Shirvan pieces). The layered borders create a strong architectural frame that echoes the verticality of the niche and columns.

Materials & dyes. Wool pile with a light foundation visible at the fringe (cotton warps/wefts are common in mid-century Caucasian rugs). The saturated red is consistent with madder, while the turquoise, lilac, and orange accents suggest a period mix of natural and early synthetic dyes, typical for village work from the mid-20th century.

Age & condition. Visual patina, gentle abrash, and even, medium-low pile indicate c. 1950s–1960s. Side cords are intact; ends show minor fringe wear and a few small age specks as photographed—no structural issues or major repairs noted. Clean and ready to use.

Features:

Type: Hand-knotted Caucasian (Shirvan/Kuba tradition) prayer rug

Size: 147 cm × 95 cm (approx. 4’10” × 3’1”)

Knotting: Symmetrical (Ghiordes); est. density ~80–110 KPSI (measured from back photos by counting knots across/along a 1" span)

Pile: Wool (short, resilient, springy hand)

Foundation: Cotton warps/wefts (based on fringe/back view)

Palette: Madder red, navy, ivory, turquoise, emerald, amber, lilac, charcoal

Motifs: Mihrab with lamps, columns, stars, rosettes, combs, rams’ horns, amulets

Age: Vintage, circa 1960s

Condition: Very good vintage; even low pile, minor end/fringe wear, slight age toning/abrash; edges secure

Authentic Caucasian prayer design with strong architectural composition

Collector-grade drawing: sharp borders, balanced niche, fine tribal symbols

Versatile wall hanging or small area rug size (entry, reading nook, office)

Hand-knotted wool for durability and natural stain resistance

Clean, smoke-free, ready to place

Care instructions

Use a rug pad to prevent slip and reduce wear.

Vacuum lightly (suction only; no beater bar).

Rotate 2–3×/year for even sun and wear.

Blot spills immediately; spot clean with wool-safe detergent and cool water.

For deep cleaning, use a professional hand-wash service experienced with antique/vintage wool rugs.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to preserve colors.

Suggested styling

Perfect for boho, eclectic, japandi, and traditional interiors. The narrow width fits entry halls, reading corners, or in front of a bookcase or desk. Hung vertically, the mihrab composition makes a striking textile wall panel.


Why you’ll love it

This is a true village original—not a reproduction. The meditative mihrab, protective symbols, and saturated palette bring warmth, history, and craftsmanship to any room. If you value honest materials and cultural story, this Shirvan prayer rug is a gem.

Questions or need more photos? I’m happy to help—serious collectors welcome.