Mashhad Rug
What is a Mashhad Rug?
A Mashhad rug is a luxurious Persian carpet hand-knotted in Mashhad, Iran’s northeastern spiritual and cultural hub. Renowned for their grand size and lush, classical designs, Mashhad rugs traditionally have a soft wool pile from Khorasan on a durable cotton foundation. Their designs typically showcase a bold central medallion surrounded by dense, curvilinear floral motifs, arabesques, and detailed vines. Rich reds, notably deep burgundy or wine hues dyed with natural cochineal, and dark navy blues dominate their sophisticated palette, accented by ivory, pink, or muted greens. Mashhad carpets exhibit a medium to high knot density (120–250 knots per square inch), offering refined clarity in their ornate designs. Celebrated for their stately elegance, these rugs are commonly found adorning large, formal spaces, conveying traditional Persian craftsmanship and timeless luxury.
Mashhad Rug History and Origin
Mashhad rugs originate from Mashhad, the holy city of northeastern Iran and capital of Khorasan province. Rug weaving in Mashhad significantly flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, under master weavers such as the renowned Amoghli family, whose workshops set benchmarks for quality and artistry. Throughout the Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, Mashhad established itself as a significant center for producing expansive, richly dyed carpets catering to palaces, mosques, and affluent households. The characteristic deep reds derived from cochineal dye became Mashhad’s hallmark, distinguishing its rugs from other Persian styles. The city’s weaving traditions continued robustly throughout the 20th century, combining traditional motifs and techniques with modern demands. Today, antique Mashhad rugs are prized collectibles, while newer pieces remain highly regarded worldwide for their enduring beauty, exceptional wool quality, and authentic Persian heritage.
How to Identify Mashhad Rug? Mashhad Rug Pattern, Colors, Design
Authentic Mashhad rugs feature distinct characteristics making them readily identifiable. Central to most Mashhad designs is an elaborate, prominent medallion—often round or oval—surrounded by symmetrical floral patterns, scrolling vines, and graceful arabesques. Fields typically feature dense, intricate detailing in rich reds (deep burgundy or wine-red) or dark navy blues, balanced by lighter accents of ivory or pale green. Mashhad borders often include elaborate Shah Abbasi palmettes, stylized floral motifs, and elegant vine-scroll patterns. Structurally, these rugs commonly employ asymmetrical Persian knots, with medium to high knot densities producing durable yet supple carpets. The wool from Khorasan used in Mashhad rugs is notably soft, lustrous, and resilient. Antique Mashhad pieces occasionally exhibit jufti knotting (double-knots), facilitating faster weaving of larger carpets. This combination of luxurious colors, classical motifs, and fine materials underscores Mashhad’s reputation for refined Persian elegance.
How Much Do Mashhad Rugs Cost?
Mashhad rugs vary significantly in price, primarily based on age, quality, and size. A typical mid-20th-century Mashhad rug measuring around 9'×12' (275×365 cm) typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000 USD. Larger rugs, such as a well-maintained 12'×18' (365×550 cm) carpet, are often priced at approximately $10,000–$15,000 USD. Antique Mashhad rugs from prestigious workshops or those dating to the late 19th or early 20th century can fetch between $15,000–$30,000 USD or more. Conversely, smaller Mashhad rugs (around 4'×6' or 120×180 cm) or those with noticeable wear may be found for around $1,500–$2,500 USD. In general, Mashhad rugs offer impressive size and traditional elegance at reasonable prices compared to similar-quality rugs from other renowned Persian cities.
What Are Common Mashhad Rug Sizes?
Mashhad rugs are renowned for their substantial sizes, often produced as room-sized or oversized carpets. Typical dimensions include 9'×12' (275×365 cm) and 10'×14' (305×425 cm), ideal for large living rooms or dining halls. It is common to encounter even larger Mashhad carpets measuring 12'×18' (365×550 cm) or greater, originally intended for palatial or public interiors. Smaller sizes, such as 4'×6' (120×180 cm), or narrow hallway runners (approximately 3'×10' or 90×305 cm) are relatively uncommon, as Mashhad weavers historically focused on large formats. Today, these large rugs remain favored for spacious rooms, complementing grand interiors with their majestic designs and vibrant colors.
