This double-niche “Transylvanian” rug, the third in the Cerruti collection, presents the design most typical of the category conventionally known by this name. The ground is similar in shape to that of another in the collection (N. Cat. A689) but its decoration is completely different, as there is no large central medallion but rather various elements scattered here and there or aligned along the central axis. Of the approximately one hundred double-niche rugs still to be found in the churches and museums of Transylvania, only seven per cent present a plain field (like N. Cat. A687), about twice that amount a diamondshaped medallion (like N. Cat. A689) and nearly eighty per cent a design like that of the rug illustrated here. It should be pointed out, however, that this large group must also be divided, as just under half of the specimens present a richer and more complex design characterised also by the presence of two juxtaposed vases at the ends of the central axis of the ground. The presence of these elements justifies the interpretation of the design as a mirrored mihrab (prayer niche), a typical element and indeed hallmark of many prayer rugs. Moreover, the floral decorations (palmettes and rosettes) are not laid out symmetrically but preserve a certain degree of directionality. This is heightened by the central palmette, which is to be seen with the tip pointing upwards. 

Displaying a very good state of preservation as regards both the pile and the brightness of the colours, the rug is characterised by elegant palmettes as well as the presence of small, curly motifs extending from the sides of the field and scattered inside it. The spandrels are similar in design to those of N. Cat A689 but more richly ornamented. The same holds for the border with cartouches and shield palmettes containing elegant rosettes with eight petals in two alternating colours. 

Alberto Boralevi