Origin and Weaving Tradition

Qum (Ghom) became a centre of silk weaving in Iran in the twentieth century, and prayer rugs are among its most contemplative compositions. This vintage piece, knotted some forty to sixty years ago, is worked entirely in silk, with pile and foundation both in mulberry silk.

It is hand-knotted at approximately 8 × 8 to 9 × 9 knots per cm² (approx. 640,000–810,000 knots/m², approx. 413–523 kpsi).

Design — The Gördes / Panderma Manner

The composition is not a typical floral Mihrab but follows an old Turkish prayer-rug model in the manner of Gördes and Panderma. The niche is flanked by two slender columns that carry the arch, with a hanging mosque lamp (kandil) suspended in the ivory niche, the architectural vocabulary of the classical Anatolian prayer rug. Qum silk weavers of the twentieth century took up these Ottoman models in silk.

The colours: ivory niche, an ochre upper field with delicate floral sprays, and a deep anthracite main border of palmettes and scrolling vine, framed by several ivory and ochre guard borders and a running zigzag band. Within the restrained beige-and-anthracite scheme run subtle accents of salmon, soft rose, aqua and green.

Condition

Excellent condition for its age. The rug spent most of its life as a wall hanging rather than underfoot. The silk has a soft sheen and shows the patina of age.

Presence in the Room

At 105 × 155 cm (1.63 m²) this is a small format. Three settings in which it works well:

• Wall display: as it has been kept, where the directional, columned Mihrab reads as intended.
• Reading corner: beside a chair, where the silk can be seen up close.
• Bedroom: beside the bed.

Silk shifts with the angle of light: the niche reads deeper from one direction than the other. If laid on the floor, use a non-slip pad on smooth flooring; suitable above underfloor heating. Low-traffic placement is advisable for vintage silk.

Specifications

Djoharian — Since 1967

Our family business was founded in 1967, with roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran. Djoharian is also a Label STEP certified dealer (applies to new production).

Service and Delivery

Every piece is inspected and professionally washed in our atelier in Lohr am Main. Insured worldwide shipping; personal consultation in our showroom or by video call. For later care, see our rug cleaning and restoration service. We also make bespoke rugs in your own size and colours.