Large Antique Persian Malayer Rug, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1920 – This gorgeous antique Malayer carpet from the 1920s has the colors of earth, sky, and water. Malayer rugs are village rugs that come from the many small villages in Northwest Persia. Carpets from this area are known for their unique designs that have high knot count. Each one is different, and this one is a unique creation that shows excellent artistic choices.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, carpets from this area were mainly smaller in size and were the creation of individual weavers. Larger carpets, such as this one, were often family projects. Stylized florals and tribal symbols were often repeated in an allover pattern.
This carpet has a repeated herati symbol and flower motifs. The herati represents water or fish. This symbol reminds us of the connection between water and life on earth. In this magnificent creation, the herati are formed from stylized flowers.
The style and colors of the florals and herati are consistent throughout the design. They used salmons, browns, deep red, and ivory. These designs take on a different character as the eye moves up the carpet because the background shifts subtly from one color to the next. This changes the visual impact of the repeated motif and provides an ever-changing display of color.
The Persian carpet is created using a high level of detail and shows an impressive level of artistry and skill. The pile of Malayer carpets is cut short to keep the design crisp. The colors of this carpet are earthy and rich, giving it a regal feel. The design is created with a precision that is not always found in village carpets, making this piece stand out for its excellent quality. This Malayer is an excellent representation of the skill of the smaller villages.
This is an exquisite piece that has an earthy feel in the colors and design. It could be used to add interest in a formal setting, but it could also add the perfect tribal touch to any room. This is a rare and captivating piece that creates a connection with the natural world.