Anatolian Prayer Rug

This rug originates from the Anatolian Plains of Turkey, an area known for producing both secular and religious rugs. The unique green color in the field indicates the rug was possibly woven in the area of Kirsehir. The arch shape or mihrab that appears on all prayer rugs in various forms is made up of multicolored leaf motifs that culminate in a latch-hook design at the peak. The latch-hook pattern is repeated in the red inner border. The puzzle-piece geometric designs in the white border and the vinery in the blue border are both design elements popular in this geographic weaving area. Though woven for religious purposes, the artistry exhibited here in the use of color and design elements is more common for a secular, decorative rug.