Lot 18

UNUSUAL SHIRVAN PRAYER RUG, CIRCA 1880

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UNUSUAL SHIRVAN PRAYER RUG, CIRCA 1880

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $400

(0 Bids)

by Soulis Auctions
June 27, 2026 10:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
P.O. Box 17
Lone Jack, MO, US 64070

The ivory mihrab with diagonal polychrome striped canes, below a pointed arch, similar striped spandrels, within a dark blue border enclosing a continuous running dart border, a pale blue flower head and 'x' border.

This unusual Shirvan prayer rug displays a very striking unique design. The diagonal cane multi coloured banding design is a frequently encountered pattern in Caucasian Gendje rugs though not exclusive to that attribution. For examples, see, Bennett, I. Oriental Rugs, Vol 1, Caucasian, 1981, pl's. 169-172. pp. 150-151. As can be seen in these examples, the diagonal bands extend the full width of the rug, however in this example the canes are foreshortened and sit floating on the ivory ground, representing an extraordinary interpretation of the established format. Furthermore, the inclusion of a single unrepeated yellow cane is also very unusual, which seems to act as an intentional focal point since it is placed in the middle of the field. Whether intentional or otherwise, its presence certainly attracts attention. The running dart border design is also an unusual feature, since this style of design is normally seen in flat woven Caucasian soumak weavings, presented in horizontal bands on khorjins or mafrash for instance. See, Bennett, I. Oriental Rugs, Vol 1, Caucasian, 1981, pl. 493. p. 373.

Measures approximately 54 x 44 inches; 4ft.6 inches x 3ft.8in; 138 x 112cm.

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  • Provenance: The estate of John Adair Jr. (1942-2025), founder and proprietor of Kurofune Antiques in Tokyo, Japan (est. 1978), a world-renowned destination featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal.
  • Dimensions: Measures approximately 54 x 44 inches; 4ft.6 inches x 3ft.8in; 138 x 112cm.
  • Medium: Rugs and Carpets
  • Condition: Pile ranging from good mostly fair with some areas worn to knot bars, scattered small areas of old moth damage with slight foundation bars visible. See photos for details, ends good, short warp fringes extant, sides good, fully overcast. No stains or odours.

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SHIPPING: After verifying that payment has been made and or all funds have cleared, Dirk Soulis Antiques LLC DBA Soulis Auctions will, as a courtesy to the client, undertake the packing and shipping of most purchases. Large items, Furniture, International Shipments and items deemed excessively fragile by Soulis Auctions may require special handling by a third party. Soulis Auctions will coordinate with the buyer's chosen shipper in these instances and will endeavor to provide as much assistance as possible. The cost for shipping handled in-house starts at $16 per box and or the actual cost of wood crate construction, in addition to the cost of insurance and postage or carrier charges. The cost of crates range by size; the majority fall into the range of $50 to $150.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $99,999 $2,000
$100,000 + $10,000