1910s Antique Persian Mahal Carpet with Herati Field Design

A Rug of Color and Craftsmanship from Persia’s Golden Age

The 1910s Antique Persian Mahal Carpet with Herati Field Design captures the romance and artistry of early 20th-century Persian weaving, when the village looms of Mahal produced carpets that glowed with warmth, balance, and handmade perfection. This elegant 6'7" x 9'1" masterpiece reflects the enduring charm of Persia’s heartland textiles — exuberant yet refined, geometric yet fluid, and filled with life from corner to corner.

Its allover Herati field design — an intricate pattern of rosettes, diamonds, and curling leaves — ripples across a deep navy blue ground, alive with movement and symmetry. The angular articulation of floral motifs gives it both structure and vibrancy, as if each bloom were swaying to the rhythm of a long-remembered melody. The wide, decorative borders — beautifully restored and secured — create a perfect frame for the field’s intricacy, adding definition and presence without overpowering its rhythmic flow.

The color palette is a painter’s dream: madder root red, forest green, dusty saffron yellow, rust, and gold, all glowing against a base of navy, ivory, and beige. These tones, derived from natural vegetable dyes, have mellowed into a luminous patina that softens their brilliance without losing intensity. The wool, hand-spun and dyed in small village batches, retains a subtle luster — the unmistakable glow of true antique wool.

Hand-knotted in the Mahal region of central Persia, this carpet showcases the village’s characteristic open knotting technique, producing a texture that feels both durable and inviting. Its even wear to the knot heads and gentle surface variation speak to its age and authenticity. The side selvages and ends are secure, with a professional 15-inch end restoration preserving the integrity of its intricate triple-border structure. Recently cleaned and ready for display, this piece combines functionality with collector appeal.

Whether laid beneath a dining table, anchoring a vintage-inspired salon, or adding warmth to a Vintage Boho reading nook, the 1910s Antique Persian Mahal Carpet with Herati Field Design brings history and harmony to any setting. The flicker of candlelight across its navy field, the soft rustle of footsteps on its woolen surface — these small sensory moments evoke the quiet luxury of another time.

A true heirloom of artistry and endurance, this Mahal antique rug is more than a furnishing — it’s a piece of Persian history woven by hand, preserved with care, and destined to enchant for generations.

Design Features

• Allover Herati field pattern with geometric floral motifs

• Classic triple-border composition for balance and symmetry

• Distinctive Mahal village weaving with visible hand-knot character

• Natural vegetable dyes producing layered, time-softened color

• Fine wool texture with even antique wear

Color Palette

• Navy blue ground with madder root red and forest green

• Accents in dusty saffron yellow, gold, rust, and beige

• Ivory and sand highlights for depth and clarity

• Naturally aged hues with glowing vintage patina

Condition Notes

• Even wear consistent with age; knot heads subtly visible

• Professionally restored end border (approx. 15")

• Original selvages intact or stabilized

• Fully secured sides and ends

• Recently cleaned and ready for in-home use

Origin & Construction

• Handwoven in the Mahal region, Central Persia (modern-day Iran)

• Circa 1910s

• Hand-knotted wool pile on cotton foundation

• Traditional village weave construction

• Medium pile height with supple handle

Dimensions

• Size: 6'7" x 9'1" (approx. 200 x 277 cm)

• Rectangular shape ideal for living or dining spaces

• Balanced proportions enhancing interior flow