Antique Mahal Carpet

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Mahal
Dimensions: 338 x 436 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Mahal rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic floral composition featuring a vibrant madder red field anchored by a vertical sequence of three monumental, ivory-ground diamond medallions. This structural balance between the expansive, saturated field and the large-scale “Herati” floral lattice within the medallions reflects the pinnacle of the Mahal weaving tradition in West Persia. Mahal rugs of this antiquity are world-renowned for their decorative versatility and their ability to blend sophisticated urban floral motifs with the bold, graphic sensibilities of village weaving.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary madder red ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high-contrast shifts of midnight indigo, ivory, and soft sky blue. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest 19th-century Arak-region productions. The inclusion of a wide midnight-indigo primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of geometric rosettes and interlocking floral vines creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand-spun local wool with a characteristically substantial, resilient pile and a supple yet heavy handle. The exceptional clarity of the botanical outlines—specifically the dense floral sprays within the corner spandrels and the precise geometric hooks anchoring the central diamonds—and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash throughout the red field definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece as an authentic 19th-century artifact. Ultimately, this Mahal rug stands as a premier example of Persian decorative art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 1025

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