Antique Derbend rug with a great variety of flowers in the latticed field, first half 19th century, 89 x 151 cm, 2'1" x 5'0"

This example belongs to a small group of Daghestan prayer rugs made in a long, narrow format -sometimes over two metres in length. These long rugs almost invariably feature the stylized dragon border of this piece. This rug is analogous to an example from the Meyer-Muller Collection sold at Christie's, New York in 1991. While most rugs of this type were probably made in the third and fourth quarters of the nineteenth century; a pre-1850 date for this piece is likely. The loss of the rug's outer guard stripe does not diminish its visual appeal. Its outstanding features include a range of wonderful, luminous colours: a great variety of flowers in the latticed field: generous spacing in the overall design, and outstanding draughtsmanship. The narrow dark blue prayer arch echoes the design of the guard stripes and adds a pleasing symmetry.

published Ralph Kaffel's Caucasian Prayer Rugs, plate 66
lit: published Ralph Kaffel's Caucasian Prayer Rugs, plate 66