Mahal Handwoven Transitional Rug, J66335

Originating from India, this Mahal-style transitional rug features a silver background and an ivory border, with grey as the main color. It is crafted from wool on a cotton foundation, ensuring durability and a soft texture. Recently woven, this rug has undergone multiple finishing processes in Jaipur, enhancing its appearance and quality.

The artisans employ chromium dyes for their accuracy in color and light fastness, especially beneficial for custom orders. The weaving is mostly conducted by smaller contractors who distribute designs and pre-dyed hand-spun wools to villages outside Jaipur, extending as far as Bikaner. Weavers work primarily from their homes, contracted and paid by the square meter. Larger rugs over 10 feet wide are typically handled by villages equipped with stationary horizontal looms.

Rajasthan rugs, including this one, are woven using an asymmetrical Persian-type knot, adding to the vintage and worn aesthetic of these newly made pieces. The rug is constructed with a blend of Ghazni wool from Afghanistan and South African wool. The foundation consists of a densely packed double weft: a thick bottom weft with up to 10 plies of dense cotton and a thinner, finer white upper weft that creates a ribbed texture once the rug is sheared down, mimicking the worn look of antique rugs.

The design predominantly draws inspiration from antique Persian and Khotanese carpets, blending traditional and modern coloration. With a knots per square inch (KPSI) of 104, this rug contains approximately 1,203,830 individually hand-tied knots.

Visually, the rug displays a detailed and intricate floral pattern that repeats across its surface. The design incorporates geometrical shapes and stylized floral elements like flowers and leaves, rendered in muted tones of grey and beige. The darker grey background contrasts with the lighter shades highlighting the pattern, imparting a subtle elegance.

The rug features a well-defined border running along its edges, composed of several narrow bands. The outer border has a simple repeating pattern, while the inner bands showcase more detailed ornamentation, complementing the central design. This border effectively frames the intricate floral motifs.

Symmetry plays a key role in the rug's design, with mirrored repetition of motifs along both vertical and horizontal axes, contributing to a balanced and harmonious appearance. The dense pattern has limited negative space, with closely packed motifs emphasizing the detailed craftsmanship. This rug lacks a central medallion, focusing instead on the intricate, all-over pattern.