Vintage Persian Mahal Rug Inspired by William Morris

In the realm of enchantment and artistry, behold this hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Mahal rug, a masterpiece of nature-inspired wonder. Upon its dark canvas unfolds a breathtaking tableau of floral gardens, where large acanthus leaves, blooming palmettes, and graceful tree boughs dance alongside lilies, birds, animals, and vines. Each element weaves a tale of vibrancy and life, inviting the beholder to immerse themselves in a world of timeless beauty and whimsical charm.

Encircling this enchanting composition is a floral meander Herat border, adorned with inner and outer carnation meander guard bands and subsidiary stripes, reminiscent of the Arts & Crafts movement’s fervor for craftsmanship and natural motifs. Inspired by the late nineteenth and early twentieth-century designs of England’s Arts & Crafts movement, this rug pays homage to visionaries like William Morris and C.F.A. Voysey, who championed the revival of handcrafted textiles amid an era of mass production and excess ornamentation.

Continuing the legacy of the Arts & Crafts movement and Donegal workshops, this vintage Persian rug emerges as a beacon of artistic expression and organic beauty. Its bold design and earthy color palette, informed by the natural world, make it a captivating addition to interiors inspired by the Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, or Prairie School movements. As it graces the floors of any space, it whispers tales of craftsmanship and simplicity, inviting all who encounter it to embark on a journey of aesthetic delight and timeless elegance.

Rendered in variegated shades of black, brick red, rust, terra cotta, olive, charcoal, espresso, coffee, onyx, camel, ecru, tan, forest green, sky blue, sienna, glaucous, bluish-grey, and glaucous with other accent colors.
Abrash.
Hand knotted wool.
Made in Iran.
Measures: 06’11 x 15’02.
Date: 1990s. Late 20th Century.