MUJUR
Synonym.—Maden.
Why So Named.—After the city of Mujur in the Kir Shehr district of the Province of Konieh, from which they come.
Knot.—Always the Ghiordes.
Warp.—Always the wool.
Woof.—Wool, dyed red.
Nap.—Short wool.
Borders.—Usually three border stripes, one wide one, with a narrow one on either side. The main stripe usually carries floral forms arranged in square or diamond shaped medallions. The reciprocal saw teeth design is frequently employed.
Ends.—Usually a wide red web with or without short knotted warp ends.
Sides.—Finished with a three or four corded selvage.
Prevailing Colors.—Red, green, blue, cream, and yellow.
Designs.—This class of rug nearly always comes in the prayer form. There is generally a cross panel above the prayer niche and the field is, as a rule, filled with designs.
Sizes.—From two and a half to five feet wide by four to seven long.
Prices.—Rather high on account of their scarcity. From $2.00 to $10.00 a square foot.
Remarks.—This class of rugs is so rare that it is not mentioned by any of the American or English authors.
THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATED
Owner's Description.—This rug comes from the town of Maden, in the Kir Shehr district of Konieh province. Mudjar, a better known rug producing town, is within twenty miles. It has the remarkable wool and dye qualities that make the production of Kir Shehr. This rug is so very bright that the assertion that it is fifty to seventy-five years old might be disputed, but the unequal color erosion, the remarkable bald shine of the back, and the well marked thinning of the pile where the knees of the devotee rested while at his devotion, evidence its antiquity. The panel of lavender above the prayer arch is notable, as is the pigeon blood ruby of the field. While this rug has evidently done duty for many years, it was probably folded away after use at prayer, and given little exposure to sunlight.