Antique Mahal Rug

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

This rare late 19th century Persian Mahal rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic floral composition featuring a vibrant, all over “Shah Abbasi” design of scrolling palmettes and delicate floral sprays anchored within a deep, saturated midnight indigo field. This structural balance between the intricate botanical motifs and the dark ground reflects the pinnacle of the Mahal weaving tradition from the Arak region of West Persia. Rugs of this antiquity are world renowned for their sophisticated, curvilinear aesthetics and their ability to bring a sense of imperial elegance to a village weaving medium.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary midnight indigo field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of terracotta red, salmon pink, and soft sky blue. 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 workshop productions. The inclusion of a wide, terracotta ground primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating floral rosettes and scrolling “S” 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 soft, resilient pile and a supple yet firm handle. The exceptional clarity of the curvilinear outlines specifically the minute internal petals of the lotus palmettes and the precisely executed geometric guard borders definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Mahal. Ultimately, this rug stands as a premier example of Persian textile art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No: 5818

Request Information