Antique Persian Kalamkari prayer mat, Iran

This Iranian cotton prayer mat was hand-crafted in the late 19th century.

The textile is decorated with a muted colour palette where shades of red, cream, and blue predominate.  The combination of woodblock printed patterns and motifs combine to create a cohesive design inspired by the architecture of a mosque, particularly its façade. The shape of the central mihrab is like that of the arch-shaped prayer niches found in mosques. Around it, there are several frames and pillars adorned with repetitive nature-inspired patterns.

The bottom part of the prayer mat is decorated with a more geometrical pattern where arrow-shaped lines are filled with more prominent coloured backgrounds and designs.

Above the central mihrab are Arabic markings surrounded by further repetitive motifs.

Kalamkari (or Qalamkari) is the name of the traditional, 400 years old Persian technique of woodblock printing. It originates from the Iranian city of Isfahan. Traditionally, all materials used for the crafting of pieces such as this prayer rug are natural and derived from local resources, celebrating the local materials and craftsmen.

Celebrating traditional Iranian craft practices, this prayer mat would be a superb addition to one’s collection of religious objects.