Gohar Carpet by Peter Pap Oriental Rugs from Antiques & Fine Art magazine

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Peter Pap Oriental Rugs
Sold to a private collector
at the 2003 Winter Antiques Show
“Gohar Carpet”
Armenian, 1699–1700
11' 6" x 5'10"
Courtesy of Peter Pap Oriental Rugs

The Armenian religious text inscribed in this carpet was translated in 1908 by the eminent linguist Norayr de Byzance as: “I the sinful Gouhar have made this with my own hands, may anyone reading this pray for my obtaining grace. In the year 1129.” The Armenian calendar date is equivalent to 1679–1680 A.D. Later scholars determined that the carpet actually reads 1149. The date appears as a chronogram containing four letters separated by dots representing the millennium, century, decade, and year. The “Gohar Carpet” is unusual in that it records the maker’s name. (Gohar or Kohar remains a popular girl’s name in Armenia). The carpet was made for the woman’s church and was probably used only for ceremonial occasions as it remains in an exceptional state of preservation.

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