Antique Malayer Mahi Persian Rug, c. 1900–1920
A viewing is a request, not a booking: we write back within 24 hours to confirm a time, in open hours or out of them. No account needed.
ABOUT THIS PIECE
The Malayer rug is a timeless example of Iran’s rich weaving heritage, renowned for its top-quality craftsmanship, cultural depth, and artistic variety. Handwoven in the Zagros foothills, Malayer rugs are made from some of the finest wool and silk fibres in the region, sourced from local sheep known for their soft, durable fleece, thanks to the area’s temperate mountain climate.
What really sets Malayer rugs apart is their impressive range of styles. Influenced by nearby regions like Kurdistan, Lorestan, Zanjan, and Isfahan, as well as Caucasian and Armenian motifs brought in through historical migrations, these rugs are a vibrant mix of traditions. Each piece reflects a blend of cultures, woven together in intricate, balanced designs.
Malayer rug designs often take their cues from nature, showcasing botanical motifs, native animals, and symbolic patterns that echo the rugged landscapes and rich biodiversity of the area. A key feature of Malayer weaving is the harmonious and refined use of colour, especially reds and lacquer tones. What truly distinguishes these rugs is the masterful use of closely related colour shades: local weavers skillfully blend a narrow palette (mainly reds, rusts, and earthy hues) with subtle gradations. This technique creates a smooth, almost watercolour-like flow across the rug’s surface, resulting in a design that feels both soft and deeply vibrant, perfectly capturing the essence of Malayer’s natural and cultural heritage.
SPECIFICATIONS
How it sits in your room.
192 × 106 CM (6'4" × 3'6"), DRAWN TO SCALE WITH TYPICAL AUSTRALIAN FURNITURE SIZES.
Small beside a 3-seater sofa. It suits a reading corner, under an armchair or across an entry better than a sofa setting.
Only 13 cm of rug would show beyond even a four-seat table, so the chairs would sit off it. This one belongs in a living room or bedroom.
Narrower than a queen bed, so it sits across the foot of the bed, tucked 20 cm under. A pair of runners either side is the other way to dress a bed this size.
Measure the room, or just the area the rug should cover, and we will draw this rug in it to scale.
