Antique Persian Mahal "Silver & Madder" Palace Carpet (Circa 1930s)
Bring a sense of timeless, understated luxury to your home with this magnificent 1930s Persian Mahal. Known for their "shabby chic" elegance and relaxed geometric charm, Mahal carpets are the premier choice for designers seeking an antique look that doesn’t overpower a room. At 8'11" x 12'5", this grand-scale textile offers a sophisticated, "all-over" aesthetic that provides a seamless foundation for both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Why It’s Unique
This Mahal is a masterclass in scale and color oxidation, featuring a rare "nested" motif design.
Double-Scale Herati Design: Most rugs feature a single Herati pattern, but this piece offers a fascinating visual dialogue. The main field is a dense "covered" tapestry of traditional Herati motifs, which is then wrapped by an incredibly unique main border featuring an oversized rendering of the same design. This play on scale makes the rug feel both rhythmic and expansive.
Oxidized Silver Patina: One of the most striking features of this carpet is the presence of oxidized silver tones. Over nearly a century, the natural dyes have aged into a shimmering, metallic-grey patina that perfectly complements the deep madder root and brick reds.
A "Twilight" Palette: The color story is moody and sophisticated, blending burgundy wine and coffee brown with refreshing pops of sky blue and ivory. This creates a balanced, neutral-leaning warmth that anchors a room without feeling heavy.
Hand-Loomed Character: True to its village origins, the rug features a slight, charming taper (measuring 8'9" at one end and 8'11" at the other). This variation is the "birthmark" of a hand-knotted antique, ensuring no two pieces are ever identical.
Condition & Antique Soul
This 1930s treasure is a "lived-in" masterpiece, possessing a rich history and a level of character that only a century of time can produce.
Sleek "Low-Profile" Texture: The rug exhibits even wear down to the knot heads, with a faint "shadowing" of the foundation showing through. This creates a beautifully weathered, flat surface that is easy to maintain and allows furniture to slide and sit perfectly level.
Expertly Restored Heritage: To preserve its beauty for the next century, this carpet has undergone extensive expert restorations throughout. It is a robust, clean, and structurally sound piece that has been thoughtfully revived by master craftspeople.
Showroom Ready: Recently professionally cleaned, with side cord selvages intact or restored and ends fully secured. Given its storied history and delicate patina, it is ideally suited for a space deeper inside the home—such as a primary suite, library, or formal dining room—where its detail can be truly appreciated.
Product Details
Dimensions: 8'11" x 12'5" (Width varies 8'9" to 8'11")
Origin: Hand-knotted in Persia (Mahal Region)
Circa: 1930s Antique
Motif: All-Over Herati with Oversized Herati Border
Colors: Oxidized silver, madder root red, sky blue, burgundy, and coffee brown
