Product Description
About This Mahal Rug
This magnificent semi antique Mahal Persian rug, measuring 13'10" x 9'6", showcases the masterful artistry of Markazi province weavers from four decades past. The commanding madder red field serves as a canvas for an intricate Shah Abbasi medallion design, where navy blue and burgundy create dramatic depth alongside cream, gold, rust red, and indigo accents. Each asymmetrical Persian knot has been hand-tied with precision, creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that transforms any living space into a realm of Persian elegance.
The historic Mahal region, nestled in central Persia's Markazi province, has been renowned since the 19th century for producing rugs that blend classical Persian motifs with distinctive local character. The weavers of this area developed their own interpretation of traditional designs, incorporating the beloved Shah Abbasi palmettes and flowing vine patterns that originated in the royal workshops of Isfahan. This particular rug represents the golden era of Mahal weaving, when master craftsmen created pieces that would become treasured heirlooms for generations to come.
The central medallion, or Toranj, radiates outward with meticulously detailed Shah Abbasi palmettes, each bloom rendered in harmonious burgundy and navy against the rich madder red ground. These classical motifs symbolize paradise gardens and eternal beauty in Persian culture, while the surrounding field displays an intricate network of curvilinear vines and secondary palmettes. The border system features complementary guard stripes that frame the composition with geometric precision, creating a sense of infinite continuation that draws the eye deeper into the rug's mesmerizing surface.
The sophisticated color palette reflects the natural dyes traditionally used in Persian rug making, where madder root creates the lustrous red foundation, indigo produces the deep navy tones, and various mineral and plant sources contribute to the cream, gold, and rust accents. This 13'10" x 9'6" foot scale makes it ideal for anchoring a formal dining room, creating a luxurious foundation beneath a large seating arrangement, or serving as the centerpiece of a grand entryway where its semi antique patina can be properly appreciated.
At Los Angeles Home of Rugs, we recognize that authentic Persian rugs like this Mahal represent more than mere floor coverings-they are cultural artifacts that bring centuries of artistic tradition into contemporary homes. The natural wool construction ensures both durability and the distinctive texture that only hand-knotted rugs can provide, while the cotton foundation offers structural integrity that will maintain the rug's beauty for decades to come.
Placement Suggestions
Full Specifications
| Original Name | Mahal Rug |
| Alternative Name | Mahal Carpet, Mahallat Rug |
| Origin | Markazi, Persia |
| Category | Village |
| Common Designs | Shah Abbasi, Medallion (Toranj) |
| 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 shah abbasi, medallion (toranj) 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
