Qalamkar (sometimes kalimkari or kalamkari), literally “pen-workmanship,” are block-printed and hand-painted cotton textiles that are used for wall-hangings, bed-coverings, table-coverings, and other functions. The city of Esfahan is, and has been for centuries, the center of production of such textiles in Iran (Persia).
This example features a central field in the form of a prayer niche (mihrab), as well as a cartouche containing an inscription.
Condition: good condition aside from several light stains (probably removable with cleaning).
