 Malayer
rugs originate from Malayer, located northwest of Arak and southeast of
Hamadan has an excellent reputation for weaving a Persian carpet of
superior quality. The semi-nomadic people have shunned the modern ways
in favor of using the same techniques and materials that have been used
for generations. This region of Iran is sometimes referred to as “the
land of grapes” and for this reason you may see it incorporated into
the overall design of a Malayer Persian carpet. The rugs are single
wefted – also called “Sennah Baft” or Hamadan weave – meaning that
there is only one shot of weft between each row of knots. Talented
weavers create Malayer rugs using the Turkish knot. They are well
constructed of very good wool and range in quality from coarse to finer
than a Hamadan Persian carpet.
Look closely at Malayer rugs and you will detect the traces of the
Kurdish origins. Usually decorated with small motifs, the most popular
designs on Malayer rugs are the all-over Boteh, all-over Herati,
diamond or hexagonal shape medallions, and multi-sided vertically
connected medallions. Boteh and Herati may be featured together on
Malayer rugs with the medallion filled with Herati and the background
with Boteh, or vice versa. Red is the dominant color on Malayer rugs,
although blues, greens, and beiges may be seen as well and all are
created with natural vegetable dyes. Neutral shades and blue tones can
only be seen on a rare, antique Malayer rugs.
The warp of Malayer rugs is mostly cotton, while the weft is either
cotton or wool. Although available in a range of sizes, the most common
for Malayer rugs is mid-size (4’ x 6’ to 8’ x 10’). Their traditional
designs and intricately detailed patterns in shades of red convey an
image of classic beauty that will harmonize well with antiques as well
as more modern décor.
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