Product Description
About This Mahal Rug
This exceptional semi antique Mahal Persian rug measuring 10'0" x 5'4" presents a commanding presence with its masterfully executed medallion (Toranj) design surrounded by intricate Herati (Mahi) motifs. The rich palette of dark red, navy blue, and burgundy creates a sophisticated foundation, while accents of madder red, brown, black, and cream add depth and visual interest to this 40-60 year old masterpiece from the Markazi province of Persia.
Mahal rugs originate from the historic weaving region surrounding the city of Mahallat in central Persia, where artisans have perfected their craft for generations within the fertile Markazi province. This area became renowned during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for producing robust, well-constructed rugs that combined traditional Persian motifs with a slightly more relaxed interpretation, making them highly sought after by collectors and decorators alike. The asymmetrical Persian knots used in this piece reflect the authentic construction techniques passed down through centuries of master weavers.
The central medallion (Toranj) serves as the focal point of this composition, representing the cosmic order and divine perfection in Persian artistic tradition, while the surrounding Herati pattern, also known as the fish design (Mahi), symbolizes abundance and protection. The interplay between these classical motifs creates a harmonious balance that has made Mahal rugs treasured possessions in Persian households for generations. The semi antique age of this piece has allowed its colors to develop a beautiful patina that speaks to its authentic heritage.
The sophisticated color palette, dominated by deep dark red and complemented by navy blue and burgundy, creates an anchor of warmth and elegance perfect for a medium-sized living room, formal dining area, or study. At 10 by 5 feet, this rug offers versatility in placement while maintaining substantial visual impact. This one-of-a-kind hand-knotted masterpiece elevates any space with its authentic Persian artistry and timeless design elements that seamlessly blend traditional motifs with enduring style.
Los Angeles Home of Rugs proudly presents this authentic Mahal creation, woven entirely from natural wool and cotton fibers that showcase the superior craftsmanship of Persian artisans. The careful balance of cream highlights against the rich darker tones, combined with the classic fringe finishing, ensures this semi antique treasure will continue to be admired for generations to come while bringing the sophisticated beauty of Persian weaving tradition into contemporary homes.
Placement Suggestions
Full Specifications
| Original Name | Mahal Rug |
| Alternative Name | Mahal Carpet, Mahallat Rug |
| Origin | Markazi, Persia |
| Category | Village |
| Common Designs | Medallion (Toranj), Herati (Mahi) |
| Dyeing Method | Natural, Synthetic |
| Pile Material | Wool, Silk |
| Foundation Material | Cotton, Silk |
| Knot Type | Asymmetrical (Persian) |
| Trust Signals | 100% Authentic Hand-Knotted — Certificate of Authenticity included with every purchase |
| Availability | Only One Available — This exact rug is unique. Once sold it cannot be reordered or replicated |
Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Mahal rug genuinely hand-knotted?
Yes. This rug is 100% hand-knotted. Every single knot was tied individually by hand by a skilled weaver in Markazi, Persia. It is not machine-made, hand-tufted, or hand-hooked. The knot structure is clearly visible on the reverse side of the rug, confirming its authentic hand-knotted construction.
What does the age classification mean for this Mahal rug?
This Mahal rug is classified as antique, meaning it is 100 years old or more. By international convention and U.S. Customs standards, a rug must be at least 100 years old to qualify as antique. Antique Persian rugs are the most prized category among collectors, valued for their historical significance, natural dye patina, aged wool softness, rarity, and the way their colors have mellowed and deepened beautifully over a century or more of careful use.
Where does the Mahal rug originate?
This Mahal rug originates from Markazi, Persia. The Markazi region has a long and distinguished history of rug weaving, with local artisans developing their own distinctive design vocabulary, color traditions, and technical approaches that set their rugs apart from other Persian weaving centers. The village rug category from this region is particularly known for its medallion (toranj), herati (mahi) design traditions.
What knot type was used to weave this Mahal rug?
This Mahal rug was woven using both the asymmetrical Persian (Senneh) knot and the symmetrical Turkish (Ghiordes) knot. The asymmetrical Persian knot, which wraps around one warp thread, allows for finer curvilinear design detail. The symmetrical Turkish knot, which wraps around two warp threads, produces a more robust pile. The use of both techniques reflects the weaver's mastery and adaptability within the regional weaving tradition.
Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. This is a one-of-a-kind piece. As an authentic hand-knotted Persian rug, no two examples are identical. Only one of this exact rug is available in our collection. Once sold, this specific piece cannot be reordered or replicated. Every hand-knotted Persian rug is a unique artifact of its weaver's skill, materials, and creative expression.
Does this rug come with a Certificate of Authenticity?
Yes. Every rug purchased from Los Angeles Home of Rugs includes a Certificate of Authenticity documenting the rug's origin, age, materials, construction method, and appraised value. This certificate is accepted by major U.S. insurance providers and supports resale, estate, and auction documentation.
How do I care for this wool, silk rug?
Vacuum gently without a beater bar once a week in the direction of the pile. Rotate the rug every 6 to 12 months to ensure even wear. For spills, blot immediately with a clean white cloth without rubbing. For deep cleaning, use a professional Persian rug cleaning specialist who uses hand-washing methods appropriate for natural wool, silk fibers and aged dyes. Avoid steam cleaning or harsh chemical treatments.
What is the shipping policy for this rug?
Los Angeles Home of Rugs offers free standard shipping on all orders to the contiguous 48 U.S. states and Washington D.C. For orders to Alaska, Hawaii, P.O. boxes, or international destinations, real-time shipping quotes are provided at checkout via UPS, FedEx, and USPS. All rugs are carefully rolled and packaged to ensure safe delivery.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day hassle-free return policy on all rugs. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days of delivery to arrange a return. Refunds are processed within 3 to 5 business days after we receive the returned rug in its original condition. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer unless the rug was received damaged or incorrectly described.
At Los Angeles Home of Rugs, we only stock hand-knotted rugs. We do not carry machine-made, hand-tufted, hand-hooked, or hand-woven rugs. Every rug in our collection is certified authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Read More
