Product Description
About This Arak Rug
This magnificent semi antique Arak Persian rug at 9'8" x 4'12" showcases the timeless elegance of traditional Persian craftsmanship with its rich madder red foundation adorned by intricate Herati (Mahi) motifs. The masterful interplay of crimson, navy blue, ivory, rust red, dark red, forest green, gold, and brown creates a sophisticated color palette that speaks to decades of natural aging and the skilled hands of Persian artisans. This one-of-a-kind hand-knotted masterpiece elevates any space with its authentic character and refined presence that only comes from 40-60 years of gentle use and natural patina.
Originating from the renowned weaving region of Markazi in Persia, Arak rugs have been treasured for centuries as symbols of Persian artistic excellence and cultural heritage. The city of Arak, historically known for producing some of the finest Persian carpets, developed its distinctive weaving techniques during the late 19th century when master weavers from Kashan relocated to the region. This particular piece embodies that legacy through its exceptional asymmetrical Persian knotting and superior wool quality, representing the golden age of Persian rug making when each piece was created as a work of art rather than mere floor covering.
The Herati pattern, also known as the Mahi (fish) design, tells an ancient story through its repeated motifs of diamond-shaped medallions surrounded by curved leaves and stylized fish. This classical Persian design symbolizes abundance and protection, with each fish representing life and prosperity swimming through gardens of paradise. The intricate border work features complementary geometric patterns that frame the central field, creating a harmonious composition that has captivated collectors and connoisseurs for generations while maintaining perfect proportion within the rug's elegant rectangular format.
The sophisticated color story begins with the dominant madder red that provides warmth and richness, enhanced by deep crimson accents that add depth and complexity to the overall composition. Navy blue elements provide striking contrast while ivory highlights create luminous focal points throughout the design. The subtle interplay of rust red, dark red, forest green, gold, and brown creates layers of visual interest that reveal new details with each viewing, demonstrating the masterful dyeing techniques using natural materials that have allowed these colors to mature beautifully over decades.
Perfect for hallways, entryways, galley kitchens, or as an accent piece in larger rooms, this 9'8" x 4'12" foot dimension offers remarkable versatility for contemporary home styling. Los Angeles Home of Rugs presents this exceptional piece as an investment in authentic Persian artistry that brings warmth, sophistication, and cultural heritage to any interior design scheme, whether traditional, transitional, or modern, making it an ideal choice for discerning homeowners who appreciate the irreplaceable beauty of genuine hand-woven Persian craftsmanship.
Placement Suggestions
Full Specifications
| Original Name | Arak Rug |
| Alternative Name | Sultanabad Rug, Arak Carpet |
| Origin | Markazi, Persia |
| Category | City |
| Common Designs | Herati (Mahi) |
| 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) 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
