Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Sultanabad Mahal Large Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Sultanabad Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 16'' x 23''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
$70,000
Ivory Mahal Sultanabad Rug
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
Early 20th-century Mahal Sultanabad carpet with s a striking allover arabesque pattern centered on a cream ground. The field is filled with scrolling vinery, serrated leaves, and pal...
Wool
Classic Ziegler Mahal Sultanabad Rug
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
Large refined Ziegler Mahal rug featuring an allover lattice of palmettes and floral motifs across a deep indigo field. The composition balances symmetry and spontaneity, with coral,...
Wool
Navy & Red Ziegler Mahal Sultanabad Rug
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
This Ziegler Mahal Sultanabad rug presents a refined synthesis of tradition and Western market adaptation, distinguished by its spacious composition and elegant palette.
Wool
All Over Design Navy Mahal Sultanabad Rug
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
This navy-ground Mahal Sultanabad rug features a classic allover design distinguished by its spacious drawing and refined, decorative balance.
Wool
All Over Design Red Mahal Sultanabad Rug
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
Large Mahal Sultanabad rug featuring an all-over lattice of palmettes and floral sprays on a saturated red field.
Wool
Fine Persian Sultanabad Mahal
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Hand-knotted wool pile on a cotton foundation. Dimensions: 2'6" x 48'9". Origin: India Field color: rust. Border color: black. Accent colors: light-blue, cherry-red, tan.
Wool
$707Sale Price|30% Off
Handmade Carpet Ziegler Style Wine Red Sultanabad Rug, Mahal
Located in Wembley, GB
Handmade Carpet Ziegler Style Wine Red Sultanabad Rug, Mahal. We have a vast range of oriental rugs available in many sizes and designs.
Wool, Cotton, Organic Material
$6,660Sale Price|20% Off
10X13 Vintage Mahal Sultanabad Rug Geometric Overall Bold Blue Rust
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful Vintage Sultanabad rug featuring a rare bold "Arts & Crafts" decorative design with a soft rust color palette and elegant geometric composition. It has a rare...
Wool
Vintage Mahal Sultanabad Rug in Brick Red with Geometric Allover Design
Located in Barrington, IL
This vintage Turkish Mahal Sultanabad rug features a striking allover design, woven in the traditional soumak style.
Wool, Cotton
8 x 10 ft Sultanabad Mahal Antique Design Rug Hand Knotted Djoharian Collection
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Design influences are from Persian Tabriz and antique Ziegler Mahal / Sultanabad and Turkish Oushak rugs as well.
Wool
Persian Mahal Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique 19th century Persian Mahal Sultanabad rug with cotton back. Size: 15" x 18".
Wool, Foam
Antique Persian Mahal Rug
Located in Closter, NJ
In 1900 Ziegler had roughly 2500 looms set up in Sultanabad as well as its surrounding villages, one of which was Mahal.
Wool, Cotton
Beautiful Antique Mahal Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice 19th century large runner with a beautiful design with a nice central medallion and Herati design, and natural colors with red, blue, yellow, green and beige field, entirely han...
Wool
Antique Mahal Rug, circa 1880s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mahal rug stands as an incredibly vibrant and descriptive carpet, almost teetering onto the subject of an art form. A fine addition to any form sporting a unique approach and aes...
Wool
$19,199Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Mahal Rug, C. 1880s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mahal rug stands as an incredibly vibrant and descriptive carpet, almost teetering onto the subject of an art form. A fine addition to any form sporting a unique approach and aes...
Wool
Bobyrug’s Little Antique Mahal Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful late 19th century little rug with a Herati design and natural colors with blue, red and green, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience...
Wool, Cotton
$263Sale Price|20% Off
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique 19th Persian Mahal Sultanabad rug with cotton back. 1'4'' x 1'6''
Wool, Foam
Bobyrug’s Pretty large antique mahal rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Presenting a remarkable late 19th-century mahal rug, adorned with exquisite decorative designs and captivating natural colors. This stunning piece, entirely hand-knotted with wool ve...
Wool, Cotton
Bobyrug’s Wonderful Palace Size Mahal Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Majestic antique mahal rug with a beautiful design called mostofi design, and beautiful natural colors, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience ...
Wool, Cotton
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Border Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 17'' x 17''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Bobyrug’s Nice antique large mahal style rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Exquisite 19th-century Mahal rug – A true masterpiece! Discover this stunning 19th-century Mahal rug, boasting an intricate all-over design adorned with stylized flowers. Meticulous...
Wool, Cotton
Bobyrug’s Beautiful Afghan Mahal Style Chobi Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Nice Afghan rug with a beautiful design of Mahal rugs and a red orange color field, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the epitome of luxur...
Wool, Cotton
Bobyrug’s Beautiful Vintage Chobi Mahal design Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Late 20th century mahal design rug with beautiful decorative design and light colors, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the epitome of lux...
Wool, Cotton
Bobyrug’s Vintage Mahal Design Chobi Afghan Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the timeless elegance of our late 20th-century Mahal design Chobi Afghan rug. Hand-knotted with precision, this exquisite piece features a vibrant red backdrop adorned with ...
Wool, Cotton
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Border Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 17'' x 17''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Square Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
A large pillow made from an antique Persian Mahal rug with red cotton backing. Measures: 17'' x 18''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Border Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
This pillow was made from an antique Persian Mahal rug with red cotton backing. Measures: 18'' x 18''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
1920s Antique Persian Mahal Rug Ralph Lauren square 10x11
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the charm and sophistication of this antique Persian Mahal rug, a rare hand-knotted Persian area rug that showcases the rich heritage of Persian craftsmanship. This 10 x 11 ...
Wool
Antique Persian Mahal Rug, Hand-Knotted Wool, Paisley Design, 1920
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the charm and sophistication of this antique Persian Mahal rug, a rare hand-knotted Persian area rug that showcases the rich heritage of Persian craftsmanship. This 9.6x15.3...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Shabby Chic Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Bobyrug’s Wonderful Large and Fine Mahal Style Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful large Khotan rug with nice design in the style of Persian carpets, with a beautiful patterns, and a blue field colors, circa 1980, entirely and finely hand knotted wit...
Wool, Cotton
$17,500Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Persian Mahal Rug, Hand-Knotted Wool, Floral Design, 1920
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bring home the elegance of Persian craftsmanship with this exquisite antique Persian Mahal rug, an authentic piece from the early 20th century.
Wool
Antique Persian Mahal Rug, Hand-Knotted Wool, Floral, 1920, 10x11.6 ft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the charm and sophistication of this antique Persian Mahal rug, a rare hand-knotted Persian area rug that showcases the rich heritage of Persian craftsmanship. This 10x11.6 ...
Wool
Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 10.4x17.4 Hand-Knotted Wool, Floral Design, 1920
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the charm and sophistication of this antique Persian Mahal rug, a rare hand-knotted Persian area rug that showcases the rich heritage of Persian craftsmanship. This 10.4x17....
Wool
Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 10x17 Hand-Knotted Wool, Floral Design, 1920
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the charm and sophistication of this antique Persian Mahal rug, a rare hand-knotted Persian area rug that showcases the rich heritage of Persian craftsmanship. This 10.4x17....
Wool
Antique Turkish Mahal Style Rug, Hand-Knotted Wool, 17x27, 1920s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extremely large highly sought after rare 1920s Antique Distressed rug with beautiful patina . Measuring at 17x27
Wool
Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 13'' x 16''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Mahal Room Size Wool Rug with Contemporary Floral Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful modern Sultanabad hand-knotted wool rug with a light brown field. This Sultanabad rug has a green frame and multicolor accents in a gorgeous all-over classic floral pattern...
Wool
$175Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 16'' x 16''.
Wool, Foam, Cotton
Traditional Rust Color Persian Border Mahal Rug Pillow, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an antique Persian Mahal rug with a cotton back and zipper closure included. Measures: 24” x 24”.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Antique Small Mahal Rug with a Large Scale All-Over Pattern
Located in Milan, IT
This example displays a design and palette that has become a hallmark for rugs from the Sultanabad area.
Wool
$239Sale Price|20% Off
Worn Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an antique Persian Sultanabad rug with cotton back. Zipper closure. Age wear. 19'' x 21''
Foam, Wool
Antique Austrian Mahal Wool 10x28 Purple, Ivory & Rust Handmade Gallery Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Condition: Antique Circa: 1900s Origin: Austria Design: Mahal Actual size: 10.0x27.6 Thickness: 1/8" - 1/4" Colors: Purple, Ivory, Rust, Yellow, Orange, Lavendar Content: Wool
Wool
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 17'' x 17''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique Persian Mahal rug with cotton back. Measures: 17'' x 22''.
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Zabihi Collection Peach Khaki Antique Sultanabad Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique 19th Persian Mahal Sultanabad rug with cotton back. Measures: 16" x 19".
Wool, Foam
Bobyrug’s Beautiful Afghan Mahal Style Carpet
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Decorative Afghan rug, Persian Mahal design, late 20th century with a beautiful decorative design and nice colors, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "...
Wool, Cotton
Sultanabad Skull Rug Hand-Knotted Memento Mori Wool Carpet in Saffron, 8 x 10 FT
By djoharian-design
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Origin: Afghanistan Technique: Hand-knotted Pile: 100% wool Warp & weft: 100% cotton Design: Sultanabad / Ziegler-style floral with concealed skull (memento mori) Colours: Saffron-go...
Wool
The Lotus Continuum: A Late 19th Century Persian Mahal Masterpiece of Renewal
Located in Dallas, TX
54104 Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 09'05 x 12'04. The Lotus Continuum: A Late 19th Century Persian Mahal Masterpiece of Renewal. This hand knotted wool antique Persian Mahal rug from t...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Gorgeous Ivory Antique Mahal Carpet, 8'10'' x 11'9''
Located in New York, NY
a gorgeous Room size Mahal rug with soft brown, peach, light blue dominant accents on an ivory ground. circa 1920 rug no. j2511 size 8' 10" x 11' 9" (269 x 358 cm) rug type Sultana...
Wool
Vintage Oversized Tabriz Design Rug, Hand-Knotted Wool, Turkey, 1920s
Located in Barrington, IL
Dimensions: 12’ 9“’ x 23’ 6” Date of Manufacture: 1st Quarter 1900s Place of Origin: Turkey Material: Wool pile on a cotton foundation with vegetable dyes Condition: Wear consist...
Wool, Cotton
$6,000Sale Price|66% Off
Pak Tabriz Design Rug 10'0'' x 14'0''
Located in New York, NY
Pak Persian Persian inspired curvilinear and/or floral designs, usually styled from old Kashan, Kirman, Isfahan, Tabriz, Hunting, Tree of Life, Mahal and Sultanabad rugs. Woven with ...
Wool, Cotton
$1,509Sale Price|30% Off
Handmade Carpet Saltanabad, Ziegler Style Rug, Living Room Rug
Located in Wembley, GB
Handmade carpet Ziegler style wine red Sultanabad rug, Mahal.
Wool, Cotton, Organic Material
$2,880Sale Price|61% Off
PAK Persian Tabriz Rug 7’9” x 9’9”
Located in New York, NY
Pak Persian Persian inspired curvilinear and/or floral designs, usually styled from old Kashan, Kirman, Isfahan, Tabriz, Hunting, Tree of Life, Mahal and Sultanabad Rugs. Woven with...
Wool, Silk
$7,400Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Sultanabadd Mahall Geometric Overall 13x15ft 404cm x 465cm
Located in New York, NY
This is a magnificent Vintage Mahal Sultanabad rug. It has a rare, bold geometric overall design in a fantastic size.
Wool
$12,800
9'1"x12'1" Ziegler, Classic
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Persian Mahal and Sultanabad carpets originated in the Arak region of northwestern Iran during the late 19th century and quickly became some of the most admired village rugs in the P...
Wool
Make a bold statement in a living room or bedroom by incorporating vintage Persian rugs in your home decor.
A Persian carpet lends an aura of prestige to any room, even today. The fascination with Persian rugs dates at least as far back as the 4th century B.C., when historian Xenophon referred to the “soft rugs on which the Persians sit.” For centuries, Iran (modern-day Persia) has been known for the craftsmanship, intricate patterns and artistry of its carpets, which have found their way into households and museums around the world.
Although they have many imitators, real Persian rugs are made only in Iran and are easily recognized by their vibrant colors and elegant patterns.
Traditional, or antique, Persian rugs are what most people identify as “authentic.” Hand-made, they are very durable and, if properly cared for, can be passed down from generation to generation. Modern Persians, on the other hand, are often machine-made. Today’s carpets, Iranian or otherwise, can’t possibly match the level of craftsmanship that prevailed centuries ago, so historical Persian carpets will always be admired and highly valued.
Although the machine-aided production process is much faster and cheaper, the resulting rugs typically do not have the same quality or lifespan as handwoven ones, so traditional options are considered better investments.
To distinguish between the two, look for imperfections. Because traditional Persian rugs are handwoven, you will likely see small flaws on the front and back. With a machine-made imitation, on the other hand, you will probably not find stitching glitches, and the back will have a mesh or plastic covering.
Antique rugs are handmade from the finest materials, including wool, silk or cotton — never synthetic fibers. The fibers used in antique rugs are colored using natural dyes derived from insects and plants and woven into bold designs that reflect Iran’s culture and history. Since Persian tribes traditionally raised and herded sheep, wool was the most common material. The fiber has many advantages: It is fire-resistant and dries much more quickly than cotton. Also, because of its natural elasticity, it is more durable than cotton or silk. Regarded as works of art, Persian rugs can take months or years to complete.
The different types of Persian rugs are named for the cities, villages and regions where they’re made. Kashan rugs, for example, woven in the north-central Iranian city of Kashan, are considered among the finest city rugs, distinguished by curvilinear motifs like palmettos, leaves and arabesques. Nains have high knot counts, an indication of high quality, and generally employ pink, blue and ivory hues, while Tabriz rugs — created by weavers in the northwestern Iranian city of Tabrīz (or Tabriz) — mostly have floral and garden patterns.
When shopping for vintage Persian rugs, you'll want to consider color, size and more — for a history of these rugs and tips on how to style yours, visit our guide to these woven creations today.
Find Tabriz rugs, handmade silk Persian rugs, Persian tribal rugs and other antique and vintage rugs from the world's best furniture dealers on 1stDibs.
