10 x 14 Antique Persian Mahal Rug 52680

52680 Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 09'10 x 14'00.

A true testament to the grandeur of Persian weaving traditions, this antique Persian Mahal rug is a masterwork of artistry and elegance. The abrashed red field, enriched with the patina of time, is covered in a lively all-over stylized floral pattern, where large-scale blooming palmettes, delicate rosettes, and sinuous meandering vines create a mesmerizing visual rhythm. Serrated leaves and mirrored images of Chinese-derived cloudbands lend a dynamic sense of movement, evoking the celestial motifs often found in classical Persian and Far Eastern art. This fusion of influences highlights the weaver’s mastery in blending traditional Persian aesthetics with design elements drawn from beyond its region, resulting in a composition that feels both harmonious and profound.

Framing this exquisite tableau is a Herati-style border, its intricate interlacing patterns symbolizing the eternal dance between nature and geometry. This bold main border is further flanked by inner and outer carnation Meander guard bands, a delicate touch that softens the composition while celebrating the floral abundance central to Persian design philosophy. The inclusion of subsidiary sawtooth border stripes adds an additional layer of depth and complexity, subtly guiding the eye along the edges and enhancing the Mahal rug’s structured yet organic allure. Together, these borders create a sense of balance, enclosing the vibrancy of the field with an air of regal refinement.

Mahal carpets, woven in the heart of West Persia during the late 19th century, have long been prized for their durability, luxurious wool, and distinctive village artistry. Unlike the precise symmetry of city-woven carpets, Mahal rugs possess a more expressive, painterly quality, where each motif breathes with the individuality of the weaver’s hand. The natural abrashed variations in the red field reflect the subtle changes in dye lots over time, further enriching the Persian rug’s character and imbuing it with an unmistakable sense of history. This interplay of color and form makes it not only a decorative piece but a living testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of Persian weaving.

With its captivating floral arabesques, celestial cloudbands, and intricate Herati border, this antique Persian Mahal rug seamlessly bridges the past with the present. Whether placed in a classic European setting, an eclectic bohemian space, or a contemporary design scheme, it stands as a statement of refined taste and timeless beauty. A handcrafted rug of this caliber is not merely an object of decor—it is a woven legacy, a piece of history that invites admiration and appreciation for generations to come.

• Rendered in variegated shades of red, green, tan, beige, verdigris, brown, viridian, terra cotta, and faded blue with other accent colors.
• Distressed. Desirable Age Wear.
• Abrash. Antique Surface Wash. 
• Hand knotted wool.
• Made in Iran.
• Measures: 09'10 x 14'00.
• Pile Height: 0.12 of an inch.
• Date: 1910's. Early 20th Century.