 | mahal Rugs
The Mahals are hand-woven in the region known as the Mahallat, near Arak the capital of the province of Markad, which sits in west-central Iran. The history of this region is very rich and its rug weaving industry dates back many centuries. The carpets usually employ the famous 'Herati' design. This is an elegant all-over pattern which suits modern or traditional interiors. Color schemes using beige and chocolate or beige and terra cotta are particularly popular with designers.
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History & Construction of Rugs
Arak, formerly known as Sultanabad, is an important rug producing city in Iran. Arak is located in the province of Markaz in the north-west of Iran, just south of the province of Zanjan. The towns of Ferahan, Lylyan and Mahallat, as well as some of the more prominent neighbouring towns are Jozan, Malayer, Meshkabad, Mirabad, Sarough, Seraband, with many small Kurdish villages, encompass Arak. All the rugs produced in these areas are marketed in Arak. Strong Kurdish influences can be seen on the weaving style, as well as traces of Turkish ancestry. Ziegler’s, a Machester firm, opened its first office in Arak in 1883, originally as an importer. After realizing the international potential, they started a rug factory in Arak to create exports for Europe and the USA. By the 20th century, over 2500 looms were estimated to be under control of Ziegler in Arak. The Mahallat produces very high quality Mahals, and Sarough produces exquisite pieces. Lylyans have a tribal look to them which is typical from smaller rug producing villages. Ferahans and Serabands are distinguishable by their high quality weave and rich history. Mirabad also produces rugs of high quality known as Mir. The pile, typically vegetable dyed wool, is hand-spun from the weaver’s own sheep, and woven using the Persian asymmetrical knot. Silk is rare in modern pieces, but more common in older rugs. A wool-silk combination is used on occasion. The foundations are typically cotton, and sometimes goat hair.
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