Product Description
About This Mahal Rug
This magnificent semi antique Mahal Persian rug at 13'6" x 10'0" presents a stunning tableau of traditional Persian artistry, where the deep navy blue field serves as a celestial canvas for the intricate Shah Abbasi medallion that commands the center stage. The masterful interplay of madder red and cream creates a visual symphony that speaks to four decades of graceful aging, while touches of gold, pink, brown, and burgundy add layers of sophisticated complexity that only time can bestow upon such exceptional textiles.
From the ancient weaving centers of Markazi province in central Persia, Mahal rugs emerged as the crown jewels of Persian carpet making during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The skilled artisans of this region, particularly around the historic city of Arak, developed a distinctive style that combined the refined elegance of court carpets with the robust durability needed for daily use. The asymmetrical Persian knots employed in this piece represent centuries of inherited techniques, where each knot was tied with the precision that made Mahal carpets the preferred choice of discerning collectors worldwide.
The central Shah Abbasi medallion, named after the great Safavid ruler Shah Abbas I, unfolds like a blooming lotus in the heart of this textile masterpiece. This iconic Toranj design symbolizes the cosmic order and divine harmony in Persian culture, with radiating palmettes and vine scrolls that represent the eternal cycle of life and renewal. The surrounding field showcases classical Persian motifs that dance in perfect symmetry, creating a mesmerizing pattern that draws the eye inward toward the medallion's mystical center.
The rich color palette tells the story of ancient Persian dyeing traditions, where the deep navy blue represents the infinite night sky, while the vibrant madder red speaks to earthly passion and vitality. The cream tones provide luminous balance, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment, while the golden accents evoke the warmth of Persian sunshine filtering through palace courtyards. This one-of-a-kind hand-knotted masterpiece elevates any living space into a realm of timeless sophistication and cultural depth.
Perfect for grand living rooms, formal dining spaces, or executive offices, this substantial 13'6" x 10'0" rug creates an impressive foundation that anchors furniture groupings while providing luxurious comfort underfoot. Los Angeles Home of Rugs proudly presents this exceptional semi antique Mahal as a testament to Persian weaving mastery, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary interior design needs with unparalleled elegance and enduring beauty.
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
