Beautiful Antique Persian Malayer Runner Rug, Country Of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1900 – Malayer is a region with a long history of rug making. It is located close to the cities of Sarouk, Hamadan, Nahavand, and Tuiserkan. Malayer rugs were influenced by the designs of these nearby rug centers. Malayer weavers took these motifs and transformed them into a primitive style that is adored by interior designers and collectors alike. The brilliant red field contrasts with the deep blue, ivory, and salmon of the border, adding a touch of richness and elegance to this gorgeous piece.
The Malayer artisans borrowed motifs from the surrounding areas and gave them a more abstract feel that lends a tribal quality. The region is often referred to as the “land of grapes.” You will often find abstract representations of grape vines throughout Malayer rugs, as you can see in the border of this piece.
Rugs produced in the area tend to be on the smaller side or runners. They were often the products of individual weavers. Sometimes, families would produce larger rugs. They were often woven on primitive looms with the completed work rolled onto a bar at the bottom. This means that the weaver had to recreate the design from memory, or someone else might have picked it up and continued. That is why you will often see repeated motifs in the rugs, only slightly different as you move up the rug, giving it a handcrafted feel.
Today, Malayer rugs have a new place in interior design as many are moving away from pieces that have a mass-manufactured look toward ones that feature an artisanal quality. The bright colors and primitive motifs of this rug will make an excellent addition to any long, narrow space. This rug is a little over three feet wide, making it perfect for a standard hallway. You could also use it along a wall as the foundation for a vignette or to connect two spaces and create a pathway. This is a breathtaking piece that will add charm and elegance to any space in your home, office, or creative space.
