5'2 x 6'6 Persian Tabriz Rug | Mahi Fish Design | 40 Raj | 300 KPSI Wool

This 5'2 x 6'6 Persian Tabriz rug is a fully hand-knotted wool piece woven in the classic Mahi (fish) design at 40 raj density, roughly 280 to 320 knots per square inch. A central medallion anchors a dense allover lattice of small floral and leaf forms set on a dark field, framed by a finely drawn multi-band border. Tabriz is one of the oldest and most respected rug-weaving centers in Persia, and the Mahi pattern is the design most closely associated with the city. The 40 raj count places this piece in the fine quality tier of Tabriz production.

Design and Motifs

The composition is built around the traditional Mahi or "fish" pattern: a small repeating motif of curved leaf forms arranged around tiny rosettes, the leaves curving back to suggest fish circling a pond. A central medallion sits at the heart of the field, flanked by matching corner spandrels that echo its drawing. The lattice of palmettes, vines, and floral sprays fills every part of the field without crowding, and the main border carries a band of floral cartouches and curling vines supported by slim guard borders. The whole drawing is symmetrical and disciplined, the kind of pattern density that requires Tabriz-level fine knotting to render cleanly.

Colors and Placement

The palette is anchored by a dark field that reads between black and deep brown depending on light, lifted by cream and beige in the medallion and corners and accented with red, navy blue, light blue, pink, olive green, and ivory in the floral detail. The dark ground gives the rug a formal, grounded presence that contrasts beautifully against lighter wood floors or cream-toned furniture. At 5'2 x 6'6 it suits a study, home office, smaller living room, dining nook, or as a layered accent piece in a larger room, and it works as an area rug under a coffee table or in front of a fireplace.

Origin and Construction

Hand-knotted in Tabriz in northwest Persia, this rug uses a wool foundation and an all-wool pile at 40 raj density, equivalent to roughly 280 to 320 knots per square inch. Raj is the traditional Tabriz unit of measurement (knots per 7cm of horizontal weave), and 40 raj is considered a fine-quality weave that delivers the resolution the Mahi pattern needs to read cleanly. Tabriz weaving has the longest documented history of any Persian rug center, with workshops producing court-quality work since the Safavid period. This example is in excellent never-used condition, with full original pile, intact selvages, and clean fringes. As a direct importer, Rugs.net offers free shipping and free returns to all 50 states, same-day refunds, and our price beat guarantee.