Persian Cover

Small rectangular mats like this one were quilted in a scallop design and decorated in small floral pattern. They are quilted and padded with a layer of cotton or wool fibers sandwiched between the embroidered face of the mat and its printed cotton backing. There are two types of embroidered and quilted covers: one for prayer, featuring a prayer arch, or mihrab, and the second, embroidered in a concentric scheme with a center medallion. Those were intended for sitting on in the outer or dressing room of the bath.

This piece is belongs to the second group. It is decorated with a center medallion containing colorful flowers, vines, and leaves.  The center field contains identical flowers and is bordered with waves of flowers and vines. The corners are accented with embroidery that is a quarter of the center medallion. The outer border has identical flowers, all facing the center.   Silk fringe lines the border. The decoration is Mogul in style suggesting that it was meant for export.