Persian Mashhad Rug - 1.45 x 1.02 tribal

Persian Mashhad Rug - 1.45 x 1.02 tribalMeshed (Mashehad) is the modern capital of Khorasan, in North Iran. It is near both the Russian Turkestan and the Afghanistan borders. Mesheds are usually decorated with all over designs, florals, herati or Islim. Colours are varied and are bright. Red (especially plum) is favoured. So is purple rose. Green is also popular. The border normally reflects the central motif, while the two narrow flanking guard borders are often likely to be floral design.

Mahal rugs are produced in the town of Mahallat

as well as Southern Persian design influences

Balanced and harmonious patterns such as medallions

and are treasured by collectors and decorators alike

These all sit spectacularly well together

There is near the centre beautiful shades of green which appear as the base colour in the field of the carpet

There is a huge departure from uniformity here

Some believe it represents (variously) fertility

The borders generally have an alternating large leaf with flower head motif

Sometimes Gabehs are coarse reworkings of carpet designs from elsewhere in Iran

A magnificent overall pattern carpet

This carpet is the work of a genius