Shirvan Pictorial Prayer  rug, "Hunters"
CODE: SHRHT1710
Size (metric):130x143cm
Size (ft): 4'3"x4'8"
Area: 1.85 m²
Density: 165 000 knots per square meter, totally ~310 000 knots
Weaving period: three months
Weaver's name: Narmina

Colors (13): midnight blue, red, medium blue, sky blue, yellow, goldenrod, hazelnut, aubergine, light brown, dark brown, ivory, cinnamon, pine green, lawn green.
Dyes: 100% natural dyes: madder, weld (Reseda Luteola), indigo, pomegranate skins, walnut husks, natural brown sheep wool (undyed), natural ivory sheep wool (undyed), onion skins
Materials: Handcarded and handspun wool for pile, ivory wool warps and wool wefts
Knots: Gördes (Turkish, symmetrical)
Pile height: 0.5cm
Ends: five rows of decorative knotted meshwork
Inscriptions: 1439 (weaving date), tamga (tribal seal) of Afshar tribe, two words: "Shirvan" and "Ovchular" (Hunters)

Handwoven in Azerbaijan

Design: The main focus of this striking rug is the three figures of elaborately attired warriors astride large horses, which are equally elegantly decorated. The rug also features a profusion of animals, deer and a few birds both above and below the prayer arch. There is only one antique Marasali prayer rug with this design, no known analogies in rug literature except for a vaguely related example with a large horse and rider as a centrepiece. Particular attention should be paid to details such as the riders' costumes and saddle covers. signed "AH 1438 (2017)" and "Ovchular" (Hunters)

A mounted hunter or a warrior