An Antique Tabriz in the Mahi Design

Tabriz, in north-west Iran, is one of the oldest and most accomplished workshop cities of the Persian rug tradition. Among its most enduring patterns is the Mahi design — from the Persian word for “fish” — also known internationally as the Herati pattern: an allover lattice of small rosettes framed by curved, fish-like leaves. It is one of the classic Persian field designs, and Tabriz weavers have long counted among its finest interpreters.

This is a genuine antique piece, approximately 80 to 100 years old, hand-knotted in wool on a cotton foundation. The pile is fine and low, with the soft, supple handle of a well-made older Tabriz rather than a heavy, stiff weave. Its colours were once stronger and have mellowed gently over the decades into a quieter, harmonious palette — the natural patina of a vegetable-dyed rug that has been lived with and cared for.

Design and Colour

A lobed central medallion with pendants sits on a deep navy-blue field filled edge to edge with the Mahi / Herati lattice; ivory spandrels frame the corners and a small red medallion centres the composition. A terracotta main border with ivory guard stripes frames the whole. The palette is navy and terracotta carrying ivory, soft green, dusty rose and pale blue — originally vivid, now gently faded to a mellow, low-contrast harmony that sits comfortably in a modern room.

Presence in the Room

At 335 × 232 cm (7.8 m²) this is a large room-size rug. Three settings in which it works particularly well:

• Living room: Anchoring a full seating group, the navy ground and fine Mahi lattice give depth without visual noise.
• Dining room: Generous enough for a table with chairs pulled back; the dense allover pattern is forgiving of everyday use.
• Stately interior or study: The aged palette and classical Herati design suit a room of traditional furniture and dark wood.

Specifications

Responsible Origin · Label STEP

Djoharian is a certified partner of Label STEP, the international fair-trade organisation for hand-knotted rugs. STEP audits production conditions on the ground — wages, working environment, no child labour — and tracks pieces from loom to dealer.

Djoharian — Since 1967

Our family business was founded in 1967, with roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran. Five decades of trade and connoisseurship inform every piece we offer — collected, vetted and presented with the documentation a serious buyer expects.

Service

Secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured. Each piece is professionally packed and documented. We are available for any questions on placement, care, or comparable pieces.