Rugs and carpets from Mahal, West Persia

Mahal carpets are hand-knotted and originated in the region of Arak in west-central Iran. They are named after the city of Mahallat, which was a major centre of carpet production in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The history of Mahal carpets dates back to the Safavid dynasty, which ruled Iran from 1501 to 1736. During this time, the art of carpet weaving flourished in Iran, and many of the techniques and designs that are still used in carpet production today were developed.

In the 19th century, the city of Mahallat emerged as a major centre of carpet production. Mahal carpets were known for their high quality and durability, as well as their distinctive designs, which often featured floral motifs and intricate medallions.

Mahal carpets played an important role in the development of the Persian carpet industry. In the early 20th century, however, the production of Mahal carpets more... began to decline due to competition from other carpet-producing regions and the effects of World War I.

Mahal carpets are still produced in the Arak region of Iran, but they are less common and antique Mahal carpets are highly prized by collectors. less...