Product Description
About This Arak Rug
This magnificent semi antique Arak Persian rug measuring 10'7" x 5'6" presents a masterful interpretation of the beloved Herati pattern, woven with extraordinary skill in the historic weaving centers of Markazi province. The rich madder red field blooms with intricate navy blue and crimson accents, while delicate cream and ivory highlights dance throughout the all-over Afshan composition, creating a visual symphony that speaks to four decades of graceful aging.
The ancient city of Arak, known in Persian as ÇÑÇ, emerged as a prominent weaving center during the late 19th century under the patronage of Persian nobility who sought to revive the classical traditions of Persian carpet making. Located in the fertile plains of central Persia, Arak became renowned for producing rugs that combined the finest artistic sensibilities with exceptional technical mastery, drawing inspiration from the great workshops of Isfahan and Kashan while developing their own distinctive aesthetic vocabulary.
The Herati pattern, also known as Mahi (fish) design, represents one of the most cherished motifs in Persian carpet artistry, featuring stylized fish swimming around diamond-shaped medallions surrounded by serrated leaves. In this exceptional piece, the pattern flows across the field in an enchanting Afshan arrangement, where countless small motifs create an all-over design that seems to shimmer with perpetual movement, enhanced by the deep Persian blue and warm ochre tones that provide subtle depth and complexity.
The sophisticated color palette tells a story of Persian dye mastery, where madder root creates the sumptuous red foundation while indigo contributes the rich navy blue elements, and natural ivory wool provides luminous contrast points. These time-honored pigments have mellowed beautifully over the rug's 40-60 year lifespan, developing the distinctive patina that makes semi antique Persian rugs so coveted by collectors and decorators who appreciate authentic character.
Perfect for anchoring a sophisticated living room or adding warmth to a formal dining space, this one-of-a-kind hand-knotted masterpiece from Los Angeles Home of Rugs transforms any interior with its perfect balance of traditional artistry and timeless elegance. The 10'7" x 5'6" foot dimensions make it ideal for creating intimate seating arrangements or defining distinct areas within larger rooms, while the asymmetrical Persian knots and natural wool construction ensure generations of enduring beauty and comfort.
Placement Suggestions
Full Specifications
| Original Name | Arak Rug |
| Alternative Name | Sultanabad Rug, Arak Carpet |
| Origin | Markazi, Persia |
| Category | City |
| Common Designs | Herati (Mahi), Afshan (All-Over) |
| Dyeing Method | Natural, Synthetic |
| Pile Material | Wool |
| Foundation Material | Cotton |
| 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 Arak 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 Arak rug?
This Arak 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 Arak rug originate?
This Arak 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 city rug category from this region is particularly known for its herati (mahi), afshan (all-over) design traditions.
What knot type was used to weave this Arak rug?
This Arak 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 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 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
