Description
Origin: Persia (Iran), Malayer region
Actual Dimensions: 5′ 2″ × 9′ 0″ (rounded 5×9)
Style: Traditional
Material: Wool pile on cotton foundation
Color Palette: Rich terracotta red field, deep indigo blue, soft camel/beige, ivory, touches of green and rust
This late 19th-century antique Malayer rug displays a classic all-over Herati pattern, with repeating diamond-shaped fish motifs filled with tiny flowers and leaves across the warm terracotta field. The design is dense and symmetrical, creating a rhythmic flow from end to end. Multiple narrow borders surround the field, featuring rosettes, vines, and geometric guards in contrasting indigo and beige tones.
Malayer rugs, woven in the Hamadan area of western Persia during the late 1800s, are known for their fine knotting and use of the versatile Herati (or fish) design. This pattern draws from older Persian traditions but is executed with the local Malayer preference for softer reds and balanced compositions. Natural vegetable dyes have aged gracefully into these deep, harmonious colors, giving the rug a beautiful antique patina.
The wool pile remains full and soft with high knot density, offering excellent durability and a luxurious underfoot feel suitable for living rooms, hallways, or dining areas. This gallery size works well in longer spaces or under furniture without overwhelming the room. As a true antique over 130 years old, it carries historical value and subtle signs of age that add character. Gentle vacuuming and professional cleaning every few years will preserve its condition and vibrant yet mellow tones.