A warrior on a horse

Shirvan Pictorial Prayer  rug, "Warriors"
CODE: SHRP08
Size (metric):132x154cm
Size (ft): 4'3"x5'0"
Area: 2.03 m²
Density: 175 000 knots per square meter, totally ~350 000 knots
Weaving period: three months

Colors (13): light madder red, sky blue, light blue, midnight blue, Persian blue, dark medium blue, light yellow, dark goldenrod, light green, aubergine, natural ivory, natural dark brown.

Dyes: 100% natural dyes: madder, weld (Reseda Luteola), indigo, pomegranate skins, walnut husks, natural brown sheep wool (undyed), natural ivory sheep wool (undyed)
Materials: Handcarded and handspun wool for pile, ivory wool warps and wool wefts
Handwoven in Azerbaijan, signed and dated ("Shirvan", "Ovchular" & and 1436)
Weaver's name: Zamina

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 1435 (2014)"

"union of lovers" type of boteh motif
 

to view different boteh types click here

to read about the boteh motif click here