Vintage Hand-Woven Oriental Pakistani Mihrab Prayer Rug, 1960s

This hand-woven Mihrab prayer rug was made in Pakistan during the 1960s. Traditionally flat-woven and dyed in shades of red and beige, Mihrab rugs are a type of prayer rug used by Muslims during prayer. They are characterised by a specific pattern that holds symbolic religious significance. The central element of the design is the mihrab, an arched pattern reminiscent of a niche in the wall of a mosque, which indicates the direction of the qibla (Mecca). The Mihrab in a rug indicates the direction Muslims should face during prayer. It is often surrounded by other religious symbols, such as stylised minarets, oil lamps, tree of life motifs, or floral patterns, which can symbolise a spiritual journey or other aspects of faith. The design of Mihrab rugs can be either geometric or more organic, depending on the region from which the rug originates. Some rugs may feature highly ornate mihrabs, while others are more minimalist. Often woven in deep, saturated hues such as reds, navy blues, greens, golds, beiges, and blues, the colours often have symbolic meaning. Red can symbolise the blood of martyrs, while green is the colour of the Prophet Muhammad. Contrasting hues are used to highlight the mihrab arch and other important design elements. They are most often made of high-quality wool, which is soft and durable. The rugs are hand-knotted using traditional techniques, depending on the region. The asymmetrical Persian knot is often used, allowing for very precise detail. Knot density can vary, but in high-quality rugs it is very high, allowing for the creation of intricate and precise patterns. Mihrab rugs are typically small to medium-sized, ideally suited for individual use during prayer. The rug is in original vintage condition. It has signs of wear due to age, fabric loss, abrasions and damage to the fleece. The rug will be professionally cleaned and ready for use before shipping. The colours of the products shown in the photos may differ slightly from the actual ones. This is due to individual monitor settings and lighting conditions – the photos were taken in artificial light, which may affect the perception of colours. However, we strive to ensure that the photos reflect the actual appearance of the product as faithfully as possible. The offer may include photos of the item in the living space, but these are for illustrative purposes only.