20th Century Square Format Mahal Carpet

The district of Mahal, in Northwest Persia, has long been an important weaving centre, and its late 19th and early 20th Century works are widely regarded as among the most desirable Persian carpets of the era. 

Pieces such as this example are associated with a category of weavings commissioned by the Manchester-based company, Ziegler and Co, in the late 1870s, to be sold in the European market, adapting Classical designs for Western decorative tastes. 

These pieces, known for their fine weaves, large-format patterns, and innovative use of colour, can be spotted in grand historic houses across the UK and Europe. This handsome example, dating to the beginning of the 20th Century, features a characteristically grand scale drawing, especially relative to its format, with a soft terracotta field providing a wonderful backdrop to the variety of gracefully aged vegetable-dyed colours in its design, including muted grey, ivory, sage green and duck egg blue, framed by a wide border. 

In very good condition for everyday use, this carpet retains its original outer borders on all sides - a charming example of its type, rare in this square format, and one of the finest we have had the pleasure of coming across. 

A beautiful piece, with a quiet formality, which would make a welcome addition to any stylish setting.