U-2803 - Antique Persian Malayer Rug

Malayer rugs are woven in a small town in Arak Province in Northwest Persia located halfway between the major carpet cities of Hamadan and Sultanabad, and this is evident from their structure– the single wefts of Hamadan-and their designs adapted from the Sarouk Feraghan. They are transitional rugs, but have developed their own special character. The foundation is usually all cotton, the rugs are thin and finely woven, and although the patterns are basically classic, there is more than a touch of rustic idiosyncrasy. The warm tomato red madder field displays a charmingly irregular navy medallion enclosing stylized leaves and flowers. More floating, disconnected motives appear in the field. The navy corners extend up the sides and have a slightly more structured angular vine and rosette pattern. The rose main border has complex stars, large palmettes and stiff floral sprays. There is a particularly attractive light blue appearing in the minor borders as well as details throughout the rug.