Product Description
About This Mahal Rug
This magnificent semi-antique Mahal Persian rug, measuring 10'11" x 9'3", presents a masterful display of traditional Persian artistry through its commanding medallion design and rich color palette of madder red, navy blue, and ivory accents. The substantial proportions make this piece an ideal centerpiece for spacious living rooms, formal dining areas, or master bedrooms, where its generous size allows the intricate patterns to be fully appreciated while providing comfortable walking space around furniture arrangements.
The Mahal region of central Persia, located in the Markazi province, has been renowned for centuries as a center of exceptional rug weaving, where skilled artisans have passed down their techniques through generations of master craftspeople. These rugs gained international recognition during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Persian merchants began exporting them to Western markets, establishing Mahal as synonymous with quality and durability. The region's unique position along ancient trade routes allowed weavers to incorporate diverse design influences while maintaining their distinctive regional characteristics, resulting in rugs that perfectly balance traditional Persian motifs with broader appeal.
The central medallion, known as Toranj in Persian weaving tradition, serves as the focal point surrounded by elegant Shah Abbasi palmettes and flowing Eslimi arabesque patterns that create a harmonious visual rhythm throughout the field. These design elements carry deep symbolic meaning in Persian culture, with the medallion representing the dome of heaven and cosmic order, while the surrounding floral motifs symbolize paradise gardens and eternal beauty. The asymmetrical Persian knotting technique employed in this piece ensures exceptional durability and allows for the precise rendering of intricate details that define authentic Persian craftsmanship.
The sophisticated color scheme showcases the natural beauty of madder red, a traditional dye derived from the madder root that has been prized in Persian weaving for over a millennium for its rich, warm tones that develop greater depth with age. The navy blue and Persian blue elements provide striking contrast while representing wisdom and nobility in Persian symbolism, complemented by ivory and cream highlights that add luminosity to the overall composition. Burgundy and dark red accents deepen the visual complexity, creating subtle gradations that give the rug remarkable depth and character befitting its semi-antique status of 40-60 years.
This one-of-a-kind hand-knotted masterpiece transforms any interior space with its perfect balance of bold presence and refined elegance, making it an exceptional choice for discerning collectors and interior designers throughout Los Angeles and beyond. The rug's generous proportions work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary settings, where its rich colors can anchor a room's color scheme while its classical patterns add timeless sophistication to modern furnishings.
Placement Suggestions
Full Specifications
| Original Name | Mahal Rug |
| Alternative Name | Mahal Carpet, Mahallat Rug |
| Origin | Markazi, Persia |
| Category | Village |
| Common Designs | Medallion (Toranj), Shah Abbasi, Eslimi (Arabesque) |
| 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), shah abbasi, eslimi (arabesque) 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
