Antique
Wool
NO. 31404
Persia, c. 1920-1930
11'4" X 16'8" (3.45 m x 5.08 m)
$126,000
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Oversized Antique Persian Mahal Rug in Red with Lion Pictorials - Rug & Kilim
Hand-knotted in wool, originating circa 1920-1929 from Persia, this 11x17 oversized antique Mahal rug joins Rug & Kilim’s Antique collection. This rug has a rich coral-red open field anchored by opposing Persian lion figures beneath stylized sun-faces, framed by classical soft blue floral corner spandrels and samovar borders across a lustrous pile.
On the Design:
Admirers of the craft may appreciate this very special antique rug for being not only an exceptional find from one of the most special provenances (Mahal rugs), but a rarity to find an animal rug of such spacious large size, scale, and love in its every inch. Keen eyes for detail may admire a red open field underscores twin lions on either end, with large motifs above them almost like eyes sporting the same blues as the many borders. The border features a multi-layered structure with a primary navy-blue ground hosting continuous vine and palmette motifs in red, light blue, and ivory—revealing Persian design influence characteristic of cross-cultural exchange in the Caucasus region.
Connoisseurs will appreciate what an uncommon play of styles this is, with the more city-rug workshop style in its borders and more the feel of a tribal rug (almost like a Gabbeh or a Qashqai) in the pictorials—one of the most regal works of folk art we’ve ever found. This design exemplifies the regional tradition of pictorial weaving that incorporated symbolic animal imagery within the framework of Persian-influenced border structures, representing the distinctive cultural fusion that characterized carpet production in this geographically significant trading zone between the Ottoman, Persian, and Russian spheres of influence. This is a bold, graphic, personal antique piece; a piece of weaving history most likely from a special workshop with a deep reverence for the charm of pictorial rugs—this being one of the most elegant and versatile we’ve seen.
Condition:
This Antique Persian Mahal rug enjoys great condition for its age and origin—an impressive find among antique rugs of a celebrated weaving tradition.
"Rug & Kilim's inventory spans the past four centuries and includes everything from ethnic and tribal patterns to European designs, as well as a host of Art Deco, abstract and understated tone-on-tone offerings, all in a vast array of materials, weaves and sizes."
— Tony Freund, 1stDibs Editorial Director
