Learn About | Persian Mahi Design Rugs

The Persian Mahi rug is one of the classic patterns produced by the masterful carpet weavers in Tabriz. Said to originate in the Herat district of Afghanistan, the so-called Herati or Mahi pattern has been attributed to Farahan and other regions too. Regardless of the attribution, few weavers use the Mahi design as skillfully as those in Tabriz.

"Mahi" or "Mahi to Hos" is a Farsi nickname for an elegant motif known as fish in the pond. The Mahi design is made up of rosettes framed by a vine scroll rhombus and arching saz leaves that often resemble jumping fish with polychromatic stripes, eyes and life-like features. The four-way symmetry of the Mahi motif allows it to be combine seamless in a kaleidoscopic allover pattern or isolated and used on its own.

The Tabriz Mahi motif is used for everything from border motifs to medallions and allover patterns, but the most impressive style is the Persian Tabriz Mahi rug that features an inset medallion decorated with a continuous Mahi pattern. It’s not uncommon for carpets to feature a solitary motif placed in a medallion set over a background of allover Mahi motifs woven in contrasting colors.

Tabriz Mahi rugs are often woven in muted earth-tones that downplay the intricacy of the field. Classic color triads, including midnight blue, red, beige, camel brown and burnt sienna paired with soft green accents, are commonly used for weaving Persian Mahi rugs. The traditional color palette and bold allover pattern make the Persian Tabriz Mahi rug a popular choice for living areas and high-traffic spaces.

Weavers in Iran and Afghanistan have been using the Mahi motif since the 1500s. Today, trends are still evolving as weavers in Tabriz and Northwest Iran combine angular motifs and curvilinear vine scrolls with superfluous floral details to create Persian Mahi rugs that range from sparse vine scroll latticework patterns embellished with jumping fish to allover floral designs that allow very little of the field to show through.

The traditional Persian Mahi rug from Tabriz is precisely woven using the symmetric Turkish knot at a rate of 80 knots per square inch. Most high quality Persian Tabriz Mahi rugs are typically 50 raj or 350-375 kpsi. Tabriz has a long history of master weavers that continues today with artisans like the Pirouzian family who create Persian Mahi rugs using fine Kurk wool with silk accents that add an extra level of beauty to the elegant Mahi design.

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