Product Description
About This Mahal Rug
This magnificent semi antique Mahal Persian rug at 10'7" x 7'9" showcases the timeless elegance of Persia's renowned weaving traditions through its sophisticated Herati and Afshan patterns rendered in a striking palette of madder red, navy blue, ivory, pink, dark red, and blue. The generous proportions make this piece ideal for anchoring dining rooms, large bedrooms, or creating intimate conversation areas in spacious living rooms where its 40-60 year patina adds character and warmth.
The historic Mahal region in Markazi Province has been celebrated for centuries as a center of exceptional rug production, where master weavers developed distinctive techniques that balanced commercial appeal with artistic excellence. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mahal workshops became particularly renowned for creating rugs that combined traditional Persian motifs with adaptations suitable for Western interiors, resulting in pieces that seamlessly bridge cultural aesthetics while maintaining authentic Persian craftsmanship.
The intricate Herati pattern, also known as Mahi (fish) design, creates a mesmerizing diamond lattice filled with delicate rosettes and curvilinear leaves that seem to swim across the field in eternal motion. Complementing this classic motif, the Afshan all-over pattern weaves additional floral elements throughout the composition, creating remarkable depth and visual interest that rewards close examination while maintaining harmony from a distance.
The sophisticated color story begins with the rich madder red foundation that has mellowed beautifully over four decades, complemented by deep navy blue borders and ivory highlights that illuminate the intricate details. Subtle pink and varying shades of blue add nuanced layers of color that shift with changing light throughout the day, while the natural aging process has created a lustrous patina that only authentic vintage Persian rugs can achieve.
This one-of-a-kind hand-knotted masterpiece from Los Angeles Home of Rugs elevates any interior with its perfect balance of traditional Persian artistry and timeless sophistication, making it an exceptional investment piece that will be treasured for generations while adding both luxury and cultural heritage to your living space.
Placement Suggestions
Full Specifications
| Original Name | Mahal Rug |
| Alternative Name | Mahal Carpet, Mahallat Rug |
| Origin | Markazi, Persia |
| Category | Village |
| Common Designs | Herati (Mahi), Afshan (All-Over) |
| 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 herati (mahi), afshan (all-over) 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
