Fine Persian Mahal Carpet

A Persian Mahal Carpet, Arak Area, Northwest Persia, Wool on Cotton Foundation

Mid 20th Century

The deep coral field with three columns of five large polychrome floral motif medallions supported by sinuous vines issuing curled leaves, within a variegated green border enclosing continuous flower heads linked by angular vines adorned with leaves, ivory guard borders enclosing continuous meandering vines issuing leaves and flower heads, plain coral outer surround

Carpets classified as of Mahal origin are made in urban workshops in and around Arak in West Central Persia. Their carpets display distinctive and characteristic designs invariably based on 16th and 17th Century Classical Persian carpet designs. This Persian Mahal carpet demonstrates the adaptability of the extremely talented weavers, who in this instance have taken complex and highly detailed Classical 17th Century Persian floral motifs and stripped out the finer complex details leaving the basic floral forms to present a powerful decorative design. There is a great sense of fluidity in this bold rendition, created by the curvilinear sinuous vines ending in curled leaves which break down the rigidity of the bold floral motifs, enhanced by the symmetry displayed on the horizontal and vertical axis. The border pattern is drawn in a smaller scale to the motifs as seen in the central field and interestingly, angular drawing is combined with more curvilinear drawing. This mix of drawing styles is often seen in Mahal carpets and demonstrates the versatility and skill of the Mahal weavers to create a highly individual, yet characteristic decorative Persian Mahal carpet. The colours are magnificently juxtaposed and are from a traditional Persian Mahal palette. Shades of ivory, blue, coral, pale coral, and green are combined sympathetically to create the best possible stunning appearance, consistent with established Persian Mahal tradition in pursuit of excellence. The presence of a plain outer surround, in this case in a coral tone is a consistent feature seen in Persian Mahal carpets. The range of complementary colours used, combined with the overall design format allows for maximum flexibility in placing this carpet within a variety of contemporary or traditional interior settings.

Fine Persian Mahal Carpet. This piece was handwoven in Mahal , Iran. For further information please contact us and our team will be pleased to assist you. All pieces in the collection are under the auspices of Essie Sakhai, one of the world’s foremost experts and collectors of fine handmade Persian rugs and carpets.