MALAYER Antique Persian Rug

The best Malayer carpets were woven in the village of Mishin, and use a lustrous, resilient wool to substantially enhance their rich variety of mesmerizing repeating patterns, such as is presented this visually striking piece. Here, we see a favored motif of these 19th-century weavers where a legion of illumined “boteh” or sprouting seeds parade across a midnight indigo field, symbolizing rebirth and growth in nature and humanity. A pair of hieroglyphic birds with lengthy tailfeathers adorn the bottom of the field appearing to ascend the “stairs” formed by a triple banded stepped border that leads to mini Greek meanders. Smaller top-knotted versions can be found in between with additionall colorful varieties in the sparkling, sea green corner spandrels. The border pattern is a village version based on a 17th century court design named for the Safavid Shah Abbas, and is rendered here with a particularly playful aplomb on a subtly glowing golden ground. With its lush, virtually full pile condition this dynamic art rug awaits its proper placement in your home.