This 5 x 6'5 Persian Tabriz Mahi 40 Raj All Over Rug is a striking example of Tabriz weaving artistry. Woven in northwest Persia, Tabriz rugs are among the most celebrated Persian carpets, known for their precision, elegance, and immense variety of designs. This piece features the famous Mahi (fish) allover pattern, executed with meticulous detail and a balanced use of color.

What is a Persian Tabriz Mahi 40 Raj Rug?
The term Mahi (meaning “fish” in Farsi) refers to the repeating pattern of small, fish-like motifs woven inside diamond lozenges that cover the entire field. This design is one of Tabriz’s most enduring and recognizable styles, symbolizing water and eternity.
The designation 40 Raj refers to the fineness of the weave. “Raj” is a Persian measurement that counts the number of knots within a 7 cm span. A 40 Raj Tabriz is considered fine, with approximately 400–450 knots per square inch. This allows the weaver to achieve detailed, crisp floral and geometric motifs that distinguish high-quality Tabriz rugs.

Colors

The rug’s primary field is a rich dark brown, providing depth and contrast for the detailed motifs. Within the lattice, ivory blossoms and delicate beige rosettes create a soft, luminous effect. Accents of light blue and pale teal appear throughout the floral clusters, adding freshness and balance to the darker ground. Touches of gold and ochre highlight the small diamond outlines, giving warmth and dimension. Rose pink and muted red tones appear sparingly in the border flowers, lending elegance without overpowering the composition. Green leaves and black outlining further sharpen the motifs, while hints of rust and plum purple provide subtle richness in the detailing. Together, these colors harmonize in a way that is both intricate and timeless, making the rug versatile for traditional or modern interiors.

Design & Motifs

• Field: The field is filled with an intricate lattice of diamond-shaped lozenges, each enclosing floral rosettes and the signature Mahi (fish) motif. The dark ground enhances contrast, allowing the lighter blossoms to stand out.

• Border: The rug is framed by a layered border system. The main border features large floral palmettes alternating with rosettes, woven on a contrasting dark background. Guard borders with vine-scrolls and delicate leaves provide balance.

• Allover Harmony: Unlike medallion-centered Tabriz designs, the allover layout ensures that beauty is distributed evenly across the surface, making this rug highly versatile for different room placements.

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Pile: Hand-knotted with fine Persian wool, known for its soft texture and durability.

• Foundation: Cotton warp and weft, providing strength and shape retention.

• Knotting: Persian (asymmetrical) knot technique with a 40 Raj density, producing precision and clarity of the Mahi motifs.

• Weaving Tradition: Tabriz weavers are renowned for their disciplined craftsmanship, and this piece reflects centuries of artistry perfected in one of Persia’s most important rug centers.