PERSIAN TABRIZ MAHI-HERATI HAND-KNOTTED RUG, 5.0 x 10.8 (152cm x 325cm)

Made In: Persia (Iran) – 26-728 

Style: Mahi/Herati

Design: Tribal Motif

Exact Size: 5ft 0in x 10ft 8in, 34.6lbs (152cm x 325cm, 34.6kg)

Weave: 100% Hand Knotted

Pile: Wool (100%) – Full to Medium

Foundation: Cotton

Field Color: Salmon

Border Color: Black

$800.00

Condition/Description: Offered here is a Persian Tabriz Mahi-Herati rug was hand knotted in Iran of 100 percent natural wool and has a cotton foundation. The rug is 70+ years old, has full to medium wool piles and is in excellent condition for its age. This rug features the celebrated Mahi Herati pattern, which is a rhythmic allover arrangement of stylized blossoms, curved leaves, and fish-form motifs rendered across a saturated brick-red field. An ivory floral medallion creates a dramatic central focal point, complemented by ivory corner spandrels and a broad midnight-blue border filled with scrolling botanical forms. Its sophisticated palette incorporates burgundy, crimson, deep indigo, ivory, salmon, muted blue, brown, and touches of golden ochre. Subtle variations in color and drawing lend the rug the unmistakable character of an individually woven Persian textile. This rug was acquired from an established rug merchant. Clean and ready to be enjoyed. FLAT RATE SHIPPING OF $100.00 FOR THIS RUG WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Flat rate shipping is billed separately after the invoice has been paid.

One of the more common design motifs used in these elegant ancient rugs is the iconic fish design rugs, also called “Herati” or “Mahi” pattern. While a few specifics may differ based on the country or region where these rugs are produced, what is generally true is that the pattern consists of an elaborately rendered diamond with a rosette inside. The former often encapsulates decorative floral elements which resemble fish, hence the use of the Farsi term of “mahi”, which translates to “fish”. The exact origins of the Herati/Mahi fish design is still somewhat unsettled. That said, it is fairly widely accepted that the Farsi-speaking region of Western Iran and the country of Turkey, represent the locations where this particular style of rug design does in fact have its most definitive roots. Perhaps a bit of a slightly stronger case can be made for Iran given that the city of Herat (which was initially located in Persia but now resides within Afghanistan’s borders) provided obvious eponymous inspiration for the naming of the very design itself. Regardless of any quibbles concerning direct national or cultural lineage, this general area’s role in and contribution to the development and popularization of the Mahi pattern is laudable and, again, undisputed. Mahi fish design area rugs are famed for not only their aesthetic appeal but their durability (and attendant functionality) as well. In fact, the beauty of these pieces truly belies their practicality; they do not need to be seen or treated as mere show-pieces but can actually be put to use in the home as desired.