79324 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Malayer Rug, 05'06 x 12'11.
The Eternal Bloom: Late 19th Century Persian Malayer Rug with Relaxed Refinement
In the poetic heart of Persia, where village looms hummed with ancestral rhythm, this late 19th century hand knotted wool Malayer rug emerged as a woven testament to both artistry and symbolism. The field is adorned with an allover boteh design—tiny flame-like paisleys that echo endlessly across the indigo ground. Each boteh, a symbol of fertility, rebirth, and eternal life, carries a message of continuity, making this piece not merely a floor covering but a legacy of meaning. Its densely knotted composition reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of Malayer weavers whose artistry rivaled that of larger metropolitan workshops while retaining an intimate village spirit.
The artistry extends outward, where the field is framed by a Shekeri border, a distinguished hallmark of Malayer weaving. This elegant border, enriched with flowing vine scrolls and stylized blossoms, serves as a visual sanctuary for the boteh lattice within. Surrounding the Shekeri is a finely orchestrated series of inner and outer guard bands, each narrow ribbon of geometric motifs adding rhythm, balance, and precision to the composition. These layered frames act not only as ornament but also as a metaphorical protection—preserving the garden of botehs as one would safeguard lineage, tradition, and prosperity.
Time has rendered its own poetry upon this rug, softening its natural dyes into a palette of deep indigo, madder red, and earthy camel tones that glow with an iridescent abrash. The subtle oxidation of dark tones has lent the rug an added depth—like patinated bronze or weathered silk—signaling authenticity and age. Each knot speaks of patience, each hue reveals the mastery of natural dyes, grounding this work as a cherished artifact of the late Qajar era. It is a visual manuscript of Persian identity, offering its next steward not just beauty but historical gravitas.
Owning such an exquisite work of art is an act of cultural patronage, a preservation of heritage in its purest form. With its symbolic boteh field, stately Shekeri border, and intricate lattice of guard bands, this Malayer is more than a decorative treasure—it is an heirloom, a conversation piece that connects collector to craftsman, past to present. Whether gracing the salons of a collector’s estate or the curated interiors of a modern connoisseur, it offers not just rarity but distinction, carrying forward the intangible prestige of Persian weaving into the present moment.
- Distressed. Age Wear.
- Abrash.
- Hand knotted wool.
- Made in Iran.
- Measures: 05'06 x 12'11.
- Pile Height: 0.10 of an inch.
- Date: 1880's. Late 19th Century.
