Antique Afghan Ersari Prayer Rug

An antique Afghan-Turkmen Ersari-Beshir prayer rug (Namazlyk), hand-knotted circa 1890 to 1910, showcasing exceptional nomadic craftsmanship intended for personal tribal use. The textile features a distinct pointed Mihrab (prayer arch) crowning a highly unusual vertical column of three large, distinct, non-identical octagonal medallions (güls). Woven on a durable wool and dark goat-hair foundation, it displays a vibrant, five-color palette highlighted by a prominent indigo-blue center medallion set against a warm, terracotta-red field with beautiful, characteristic horizontal dye variations (abrash), and a rare, double-dyed forest green that confirms its authentic, pre-industrial vintage.