Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 04'07 X 11'00

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79829 Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 04'07 x 11'00.

The Midnight Garden: An Antique Persian Mahal Masterpiece of Rare Distinction

This … Read more 79829 Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 04'07 x 11'00.

The Midnight Garden: An Antique Persian Mahal Masterpiece of Rare Distinction

This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Mahal rug, dating to the early 20th century, embodies the cultivated grandeur that made Mahal carpets prized furnishings for sophisticated Western and Persian interiors. Its sumptuous navy blue field provides a dramatic foundation for an intricate allover Herati pattern, creating an exceptional composition at once stately and richly animated. The elongated format enhances the rhythmic progression of the design, giving this piece the commanding presence of a stunning masterwork selected for an important gallery, library, or distinguished private residence.

Across the field, the celebrated Herati motif unfolds through rosettes enclosed by diamond-shaped forms and surrounded by pairs of curving lanceolate leaves. Traditionally associated with the poetic image of fish moving beneath the reflection of the moon on water, the iconic Herati pattern carries enduring associations with abundance, prosperity, and the cyclical nature of life. Here, those elements are rendered with a vigorous village sensibility: angular contours, jewel-like blossoms, and small geometric accents create a mesmerizing cadence across the deep ground.

The repeating rosettes introduce another layer of meaning, their radiating petals suggesting perpetual flowering and the idealized Persian garden. Interlocking diamonds impart order and continuity, while the distinctive leaves establish graceful movement between each floral unit. Crimson, ivory, sapphire, green, and pink punctuate the midnight-toned expanse, lending the surface an exceptional depth that reveals new details with every glance. This profusion of ornament turns this extraordinary masterpiece into a luxurious expression of nature disciplined through geometry.

A series of floral meander borders surrounds the field, establishing an elaborate frame of scrolling blossoms, angular vines, and rhythmic geometric details. Their continuous progression reinforces themes of growth and continuity while bringing visual resolution to the dense interior pattern. With its sophisticated Herati vocabulary, evocative coloration, generous proportions, and authentic early-20th-century character, this antique Persian Mahal carpet offers the rare pleasure of living with an exquisite work of art shaped by heritage—a statement of connoisseurship, prestige, and enduring artistry.

Abrash.
Hand knotted wool.
Measures: 04'07 x 11'00.
Pile Height: 0.21 of an inch.
Date: 1920's. Early 20th Century. See less