 Mahal
rugs are produced in the town of Mahallat, located southwest of Arak.
Mahallat is world renowned for its exquisite area rugs and for its
mineral springs. People from all over the region travel to the mineral
springs for their therapeutic qualities and health benefits. The rug
weaving industry in the region can be traced back for centuries. Due to
the location of Mahallat, the area rugs have a Kurdish influence as
well as a Turkish influence. The fact that Mahal rugs feature both
tribal and curvilinear designs can be directly attributed to the fact
that Mahallat is located between the cities of Arak and Delijan.
Skilled artisans may use either the Turkish or Persian knot, depending
on the particular styles of area rugs that they are weaving.
The Shah Abbas design found on many Mahal rugs is one of the most
enduring and one of the most copied. Its all-over scrolling vine and
large palmetto designs are a big favorite in the current market. Almost
all of the Mahal tribal area rugs feature the very popular Mahi design
- fish in Farsi, consisting of a rosette surrounded by four leaves
inside a diamond shape and a rosette surrounded by a fish pattern
repeating throughout the field of the rug. Another name for this design
is the Herati. Dark red and khaki are the main colors featured on Mahal
rugs while the borders are most often blue. The yarn is dyed in pure
natural colors with vegetable dyes.
The warp on Mahal rugs is mostly cotton, while the weft is either
cotton or wool. However, you may find older, very fine pieces made from
silk. Although most Mahal rugs are mid-size, it is not uncommon to find
large rugs up to 10’ x 18’. Spacious patterns, greatly detailed floral
designs, and the bold coloring found on Mahal rugs will create a
sophisticated and elegant look in any home.
|