The district of Mahal, in Northwest Persia, has long been an important weaving centre, and its late 19th and early 20th Century works are widely regarded as among the most desireable Persian carpets of the era. Pieces such as this example are associated with a category of weavings commissioned by the Manchester based company, Ziegler and Co, in the late 1870s, to be sold in the European market, adapting Classical designs for Western decorative tastes. These pieces, known for their fine weaves, large-format patterns, and innovative use of colour, can be spotted in grand historic houses across the UK and Europe.

This fine c. 1900s example boasts a wonderfully subtle, mellow terracotta tone in the central field, providing a soft backdrop to the array of vegetable-dyed colours in its all-over drawing. What makes this piece especially unusual is that in most examples of its type, the design will be excecuted in a monotone or two-tone pattern; here, we see a wide, fresh palette, with shades of cornflower blue, ivory, muted saffron and celadon green, all framed by a wide sky blue border.

Retained in very good practical condition for everyday use – the natural dyes used in its construction have taken on a charming patina over the years, though there are some areas of minor age related wear.

A stylish example with a quiet formality, which would feel at home wherever you found a place for it.