Prayer Rug (Kashan Saruk)

This wool pile carpet combines two common rug compositions found in a number of different cultures: the niche or arched opening and the central “tree of life.” Here, the niche is quite abstracted and does not necessarily indicate use as a prayer carpet, and the “tree of life” takes the form of a willow. Other plants are recognizable, like the pear trees that bloom heavy with fruit. Nestled amidst the branches are baby birds and pairs of animals, birds, and insects. At the base of the tree sit two lions, rendered in vivid detail—claws sharp and teeth bared.