469. an interesting old Mahal carpet

469. Provenance: 'Mahal' or possibly Lilhian, Arak area, Northwestern Persia

Size: 320 x 209 cm

Age: circa 1940

Condition: Some areas of minor wear.

Notes: An unusual design for either a Mahal or a Lilhian - an all-over repeat of the famous Herati motifs. The Herati design is often known in Iran as the mahi or 'fish' design. This may be a somewhat fanciful interpretation of the leaves in the pattern, but in this carpet they do indeed appear very fish-like!