Woven in the Arak region of central Persia during the late 19th century, this antique Mahal rug features a beautifully spaced allover pattern of stylized palmettes, rosettes, and leafy vines drifting across a rich indigo blue ground. The drawing is relaxed but intentional, typical of village weaving, and the scale of the motifs adds a sense of movement and breathing room to the large format. A warm brick red border filled with angular floral forms adds contrast and frames the composition with charm.
This rug is hand-knotted with a wool pile on a cotton foundation, using natural dyes that have aged beautifully into a mellow, inviting palette of navy, coral, ochre, soft green, and ivory. There is some scattered wear to the pile, most noticeably in the field where foot traffic has softened the design, and minor edge loss in a few areas, as seen in the photos. Overall, the rug remains sturdy and well-balanced—a fine example of the enduring appeal of late 19th-century Mahal weaving.
With its generous 9 by 12-foot proportions, this piece would make a warm and welcoming foundation for a living room, dining space, or study. Its classic Persian floral design pairs beautifully with antique or modern furniture, and its durability makes it a timeless investment for daily living.
This rug comes from the private collection of a prominent antique rug dealer based in Amherst, Massachusetts, known for curating fine Persian and Oriental carpets over several decades.
Two areas of damage in the field including one area of damage to the weave and one hole about the size of a quarter.
Local delivery available for a fee or pick up Westfield MA
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