(Connoisseur-Caliber) ("New Arrivals Gallery")Antique rugs woven for prayer purposes were the most personal of all 19th century Caucasian rugs. This virtuoso Shirvan seamlessly marries a repertoire of classical and seldom-seen motifs into a deeply engaging whole. Its weaver’s great creativity begins with her use of a sumptuous cardinal red field rather than the more-oft employed ivory ground. Surrounding elongated botehs adorned in garlands and serrated-edged tree forms, some topped with flowers and others with latch hook serpents, is a wonderland of delicately drawn minor motifs. Close examination reveals S-forms, stepped cruciforms and miniature detached blossoms. The two spandrels are dominated by the “Hands of Fatima," an ancient pattern derived from the Israelites symbolizing abundance and fertility. Striped, bird-like botehs, traditional to Marasali rugs, repeat in a variety of manifestations in the ivory field main border. Learn About This Rug Type