Product Description
About This Mahal Rug
This magnificent 13'3" x 9'7" Mahal Persian rug showcases the sophisticated artistry that has defined this distinguished weaving tradition for centuries. The rich madder red field creates a warm foundation for the intricate Herati (Mahi) pattern, where delicate navy blue rosettes dance around the central medallion motif, while touches of ivory, black, and soft pink add depth and luminosity to this semi-antique masterpiece from Persia's Markazi province.
Mahal carpets emerged from the workshops of central Persia during the late 19th century, where master weavers in the Markazi region developed their distinctive style by combining traditional Persian motifs with Western preferences for larger room-sized rugs. The city of Mahal, situated between the ancient weaving centers of Kashan and Isfahan, became renowned for producing carpets that balanced classical Persian elegance with the practical needs of grand residences, making these rugs highly sought after in both Persian palaces and European manor houses.
The Herati pattern adorning this semi-antique treasure tells an ancient story through its symbolic elements, where the diamond-shaped medallions represent gardens of paradise and the fish motifs (Mahi) swimming around rosettes symbolize abundance and prosperity. The central Toranj medallion, rendered in sophisticated navy blue against the vibrant madder red ground, creates a focal point that draws the eye while allowing the surrounding Herati motifs to flow gracefully across the field, demonstrating the weaver's masterful understanding of balance and proportion in Persian design philosophy.
The color palette reveals the expertise of Persian dye masters who achieved these luminous hues using natural ingredients passed down through generations-the deep madder red derived from the roots of the rubia plant, the rich navy blue from precious indigo, and the warm ivory from carefully prepared wool that has mellowed beautifully over its 40-60 years of age. This one-of-a-kind hand-knotted creation elevates any interior space with its sophisticated presence and timeless appeal that only authentic Persian craftsmanship can provide.
At 13 by 9 feet, this Mahal rug offers the perfect dimensions for anchoring a formal dining room or creating an elegant foundation in a spacious living area, where its generous proportions allow furniture to be arranged both on and off the rug while maintaining visual cohesion throughout the space. Los Angeles Home of Rugs proudly presents this exceptional piece that represents the pinnacle of Persian weaving artistry, where each asymmetrical knot was carefully tied by skilled artisans who understood that they were creating not just a floor covering, but a work of art that would grace homes for generations to come.
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Full Specifications
| Original Name | Mahal Rug |
| Alternative Name | Mahal Carpet, Mahallat Rug |
| Origin | Markazi, Persia |
| Category | Village |
| Common Designs | Herati (Mahi), 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 herati (mahi), 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
