Mahal Sultanabad 1546

This exceptional oversized Persian Mahal Sultanabad carpet, woven in the first quarter of the 20th century, embodies the elegance and artistry of the great Arak district weaving tradition at its most refined and ambitious. The rug features a richly detailed allover pattern of alternating small medallions and stylized floral heads arranged in vertical columns, interconnected by flowing branches and graceful foliage of extraordinary intricacy. The deep navy blue primary field is masterfully complemented by a dark burgundy border, creating a balanced and sophisticated palette that enhances the carpet's visual depth and formal authority.

Mahal and Sultanabad rugs, woven in the Arak (Sultanabad) district of West-Central Persia, represent some of the most generously scaled and decoratively powerful carpets in the Persian tradition. The Ziegler & Co. commission of the late 19th century — in which a Manchester trading house contracted with local weavers to produce large-format carpets in softer, more Western-friendly color palettes — transformed the Sultanabad region into one of the premier carpet-producing centers in the world. The resulting Ziegler Sultanabads, with their large-scale floral and geometric motifs, their abrash-rich natural dye palettes, and their imposing room-filling dimensions, are among the most sought-after antique Persian carpets in the interior design and collector markets today.

Dimensions: 11' x 14'

Date of Manufacture: 1st Quarter of the 1900s

Place of Origin: Persia (Arak/Sultanabad district)

Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation

Condition: Areas of wear

SKU: 1546