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 example, woven in lustrous wool, employs an uncommon subtle, earthy palette, with a soft grey-green field, which works to compliment the wide range of vegetable-dyed colours in the drawing, including warm terracotta tones, and ivory, pale sky blue, and olive green accents. The composition features a balanced overall pattern, with a repeated large-scale graphic motif, surrounded by an intricately designed five-part border of good proportion.

A beautiful early piece, retained in very good condition for everyday use, with a restrained elegance to suit either a contemporary or classic interior.