c1940s Antique Floral Persian Malayer Rug 3.7x10.0
MALAYER is located northwest of Arak, about 90 km (56 Miles) southeast of Hamadan, and around 400 km(249 Miles) southwest of Tehran. It is a small town that lies among cities such as Nahavand, Touserkan, and Beronjerd. Though, small in size, Malayer has a great capacity to manufacture nice tribal rugs and carpets. Although it is a very old city (formerly called Dowlatabad), the present city was built-in the early Qajar period. From the commercial point of view, it is significant for its location on the way to Khuzestan (province in southeast Iran). There are some caves, such as Darreh Farakh and Sardkouh, as well as the remains of old forts around this city. Malayer has urban and medical facilities as well as guesthouses and parks. Because of its mild climate, it is a land of grape production, as well. Some interesting historical sites within Malayer are as follows: • Nushijan Hill • Baba Hussein's Crypt The exterior of Baba Hussein's crypt is very simple in detail yet it bears as a structure with a definitive brickwork built with precision. This is noticeable especially on the dome. The style of architecture indicates that it was built in the 7th to the 9th centuries. It is located 50 km(32 Miles) southwest of Malayer. The interior holds a number of symmetrical frames that start from the floor and reach the under part of the dome. It is assumed that these frames serve as decoration and as a means to reduce stress on the walls. The main height of the structure was 15.90 m, of which 7 meters is left. The ceiling of the structure is two-layered. Malayer rugs and carpets usually have semi-nomadic patterns with geometric and/or tribal figures. Usually decorated with small motifs, the most popular designs on Malayer rugs are the all-over Boteh, all-over Herati, and diamond or hexagon-shaped medallions that are vertically connected. Boteh and Herati may be featured together on a Malayer rug with a medallion filled with Herati and the background filled with Boteh, or even vice versa. Furthermore in relevancy to a Malayer's design, a rug or carpet piece can generally be featured with a detailed medallion in shades of red lying on the central field of the rug . These rugs and carpets are of a differing quality; some ranging from good and others to poor quality. Malayer rugs and carpets come in different sizes, but the majority of them are mid-sized ranging with dimensions of 4x6 to 8x10 feet. All colors come from vegetable-dyes in which red is the most predominant color used in Malayer pieces while on rarity blues, greens, and beiges can be seen on older pieces. They are made of wool from course to fine in texture and are comprised of a thin, tight pile. The warp is mostly cotton; the weft is either cotton or wool. Craftsmen favor a single-weft, "Senneh Baft," or "Hamadan" weave in which they produce using Turkish knots. In conclusion, Malayer rugs and carpets represent a very diversified look in which they can be utilized as a decorative means for a classical or contemporary yearning. The colors will definitely brighten a room and create a sense of internal calm in one's home.
