Antique Persian Malayer Rug Size: 5' × 9'6" Date: 1900s Material: Wool on Cotton Malayer is a weaving town in the Hamadan district of western Iran, sitting between the more formal Sarouk tradition to the south and the tribal Kurdish influence to the north. That in-between position shows up in the rugs — more structured than pure tribal work, but with a directness and individuality that workshop cities like Kashan never produced. This piece takes an unusual approach with a large ivory hexagonal medallion dominating the centre of the field, covered in a fine overall lattice pattern and anchored by a bold navy diamond at its heart. The contrast between the pale, texture-rich medallion ground and the dark aubergine-brown corner spandrels is striking and uncommon. Small secondary pendants sit above and below the central diamond, extending the vertical axis. The wide navy border is filled with a repeating series of angular botanical motifs, stylized birds, and geometric devices in dusty rose, olive, and camel — distinctly tribal in character and a good counterpoint to the more refined medallion. The muted, earthy palette of camel, navy, aubergine, and rose gives this rug a quieter, more contemporary feel than most pieces of its era. An unusual and well-preserved example with a colour palette that works well in modern interiors.