Supple and Storied
Baluch prayer rug, single mihrab, hand-knotted wool, Persian/Afghan border region, mid-20th century
This tribal prayer rug presents a single stepped mihrab niche in a dense diamond-lattice field of indigo, ivory, and burgundy, framed by serrated and hooked-diamond guard borders. Hand-knotted wool on a wool foundation, with a supple handle and retained sheen consistent with mid-century rather than earlier production. No repairs are visible; pile and structure remain intact throughout. 43 x 78 inches.