Antique Mahal Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Mahal, Iran
Dimensions: 130 x 210 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Mahal rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic floral composition featuring a monumental, diamond shaped central medallion in salmon pink and ivory anchored within a rich, saturated midnight indigo field. This structural balance between the intricate, multi lobed medallion and the surrounding “Mustafavi” or floral spray motifs reflects the pinnacle of the Mahal weaving tradition from the Arak (Sultanabad) region of West Persia. Carpets of this antiquity and technical finesse are world renowned for their ability to blend grand scale curvilinear elegance with a rustic, village weaving charm.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary midnight indigo field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of madder red, salmon pink, turquoise green, and ivory. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 130 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century Persian workshop productions. The inclusion of a wide madder red primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating floral rosettes and stylized palmettes creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and the distinctive technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically soft, resilient pile and a firm, substantial handle. The exceptional clarity of the botanical outlines specifically the intricate internal details of the central rosette and the precisely rendered corner spandrels and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash throughout the blue and red sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Mahal. Ultimately, this 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: 2281

Request Information