Antique Malayer Rugs at Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace, a UNESCO world heritage center, in downtown Tehran is holding an exhibition of antique rugs from Malayer.

Since 19th century, Malayer has been among the major carpet weaving centers in Hamedan Province. The Malayer rugs comprise one of the three major groups at Golestan’s treasured collection of carpets, Masoud Nosrati, director of Golestan Palace, told Mehr News Agency.

Rugs from around the old town of Derakhsh in South Khorasan Province and from Markazi Province, in particular, from the cities of Arak, Sarouq, Farahan and Moshkabad, comprise the other two groups, Nosrati said.

Exhibition of Malayer rugs opens Wednesday and will run for 10 days. The rugs will be displayed at the building of Chador-Khaneh (Tent House) in southern wing of the palace, located near Arg Square.

There are 17 rugs at the collection, dating back to over 100 years ago. “Given their rich designs, Malayer carpets are considered among the most prominent rugs in the world,” Nosrati said.

Malayer and the surrounding villages have produced some of the most decorative of Persian village weavings. Weavers draw on a large pool of designs, investing much originality in their creation.

The ‘boteh’ or sprouting seed (a sign of rebirth and growth in nature) has been a favorite motif of the antique rug weavers. Stylized birds are another preferred design, adding a whimsical touch.

Flower and vinery lattice patterns and the well-known Herati design (diamonds flanked by flower heads and leaves) have all been employed by the tribal rug weavers of Malayer.

Natural dyes are employed in the best Malayer antique carpets with deep navy blue frequently used as a field color. This acts as a rich backdrop for their exquisite spectrum of secondary tones: sage green, watermelon, sky blue, soft salmon, gold, and tan. Rich rust-to-crimson grounds are also used.

The best Malayer carpets are woven in the village of Mishin with lustrous, resilient wool and subtle, mesmerizing, repeating patterns. The wool pile is often cut fairly short to accentuate the detail and clarity of designs.