This antique Persian Malayer rug, dating to circa 1930, features a rich tribal design and was handcrafted with wool on a cotton foundation. The main field of the rug has a deep navy background, while the border is marked by a warm rose hue.

Originating from the Malayer region in Persia (modern-day Iran), this rug exemplifies the diverse range of weaving styles and design elements characteristic of this area. Malayer rugs often incorporate a mix of influences from larger urban centers and smaller villages, resulting in pieces that blend formal, intricate motifs with rustic, tribal patterns.

The design of Malayer rugs usually features traditional Persian motifs rendered in a stylized and sometimes abstract manner. This particular rug is a harmonious example, with a dense array of geometric and floral motifs arranged in a diamond grid across the main field. This structured, orderly design showcases both creativity and meticulous craftsmanship.

Color-wise, the rug primarily uses a deep navy blue, complemented by vibrant red and accented with lighter blue, pale pink, beige, and other muted earth tones. These colors create striking contrasts and enhance the visual appeal of the rug.

The rug’s pattern includes multiple smaller medallions rather than a single central medallion, a notable feature in many Malayer designs. Each diamond-shaped medallion consists of intricate inner designs with red borders and centers filled with blue and red floral motifs, uniformly spaced across the rug.

The rug’s border consists of several distinct layers. The outermost layer is a thin stripe, followed by a wider band with floral and geometric patterns on a dark background, and an innermost patterned stripe that encapsulates the main design, giving it a frame-like appearance. The density of the pattern, with minimal empty spaces, is another hallmark of Malayer rugs, contributing to their unique charm and aesthetic complexity.