What is a Mahal Rug?
One of the more recent rugs to enter the market, the Mahal rug is another fine piece of the Oriental rug family. The Mahal rug stands as an incredibly vibrant and descriptive carpet, almost teetering onto the subject of art form. A fine addition to any form sporting a unique approach and aesthetic among the many forms of Oriental and Persian rugs.
History behind the Mahal Rugs
Because of their strong appeal to both rug enthusiasts and interior designers, Persian Mahal rugs have made quite a name for themselves among the weaving culture since the 19th century. The sophisticated and quirky design of these beauties is what separates them from the rest of the carpets. They’re highly decorative when it comes to aesthetic appeal so more buyers are attracted to them and, in turn, the best Mahal rugs have become very hard to find in the market nowadays. The name “Mahal” derives from a village known as Mahallat in the Arak region.
Materials and Texture
Since the carpets originating in the Mahal were a result of the expanding cottage industry, they were primarily manufactured on the family level. This is why the carpets featured loose or moderate weaving with a somewhat thick pile that resembled nomadic and tribal rugs. Nonetheless, Mahal rugs have successfully taken the spotlight beside the much praised and highly reputed Sarouk Carpet style, which happens to be from the same Arak region and feature a very strong and fine knot. One of the most highly desired antique carpets on the international market follows a much more exclusive class when it comes to the Mahal style, also known as the “Ivory Mahals”. They are well praised and viewed highly for their glowing ivory to beige backgrounds that feature detailed motifs.
Weaving techniques
Designs and Patterns
A wide range of Mahals portrays an all over vine work pattern and huge palette designs. These patterns were heavily influenced by the Shah Abbas era carpets because of its strong market presence and success. In the present, many carpet dealers have reproduced the Mahal based on their popularity. These works of art feature an elegant color palette consisting of cream, beige, and ivory seeped in sheep’s wool. Their ivory ground works are considered to be some of the finest and hard to find pieces as the entire Mahal collection of antique rugs use all over patterns made spaciously placed giant flower motifs arranged delicately on a decorative background.
Available Sizes
Mahal antique rugs are found mostly in the 9 x 12 feet to 10 x 14 feet. An ideal Mahal carpet is preferred by many for its originality and artistry. Mahal rugs have managed to make a mark for themselves in today’s rug making industry for their compatibility and versatility as they compliment the finest interiors and other works of art. Mahal rugs are considered to be the best 19th-century and turn-of-the-20th-century antique rugs due to their long term investment value and unique aesthetic. Check out our Mahal rugs for sale.