CultureIndian
Titles
- Prayer Mat
Date19th century
MediumCotton; block-printed and mordant-dyed
Dimensions52 1/2 × 34 1/4 in.
Credit LineGift of Miss Annette Finnigan
Object number33.24
Non exposé
Explore Further
Department
Art of the Islamic WorldsObject Type
This cotton mat was
produced in India for the Persian market. The arch design, common in prayer
mats and rugs, orients the worshipper toward Mecca. Although the small
inscriptions in the upper corners can be read as “Prayer has begun,” a few of
the letter forms have been misinterpreted, indicating that they were copied by someone
who did not understand Arabic. Indian textile workshops adapted local decorative
styles and techniques to a wide variety of objects, serving markets across the
globe.
Provenance Research Ongoing Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Arabic inscriptions in the upper corners read are a two repetitions of a line from the Muslim call to prayer, translated as "Prayer has begun." Translated by Maggie Squires.
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Ahmad-e Neyrizi
AH 1134 / 1721-22
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; gold-colored pigments, metallic particles, and lacquer on pasteboard bookbinding
2012.470
late 18th–mid- 19th century
Cotton; plain weave, mordant painted and dyed, resist-dyed
B.61.47
early 19th century
Wool; embroidered with silk with silver and silver-gilt lamella couched over cotton
2020.55