Vintage Persian Heriz Carpet, Karaja Style — 1940s | 6'10" x 9'11"

The Mithra's field is fully covered in repeating multi-medallions, arranged in disciplined rows and columns in the Karaja stylized design tradition. The abrashed ground beneath is layered with geometric starburst elements, checkered lilies, and an interior reciprocating pawn field inlay, giving the composition rhythm without sacrificing order. For more on motifs and design vocabulary like this, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The main border is worked in a floral top-view and grape cluster design, framing the field with organic detail that offsets the geometric interior. The palette is earthy and cool in balance: pale coffee brown, chocolate brown, dusty sky blue, dusty powder blue, pale lime green, pale celadon green, dark teal, and ivory. Explore more Heriz pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 6'10" x 9'11", the Mithra suits living rooms, dining rooms, and other large-format spaces where its repeating medallion structure can be read at full scale.

Heriz rugs originate from the villages surrounding the town of Heriz in northwest Persia, celebrated for bold, angular medallion drawing and a sturdy, durable weave well suited to daily use. Karaja, one of the villages within this weaving region, developed its own distinct variation on the tradition—favoring repeating rows of smaller medallions over a single dominant central medallion, giving Karaja rugs a more rhythmic, allover structure.

Woven circa the 1940s, the Mithra reflects this Karaja approach within the broader Heriz tradition, paired with an earthy, balanced palette. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our Heriz collection.

Mithra comes from the Avestan word meaning "oath, covenant, agreement," rooted in an Indo-Iranian term meaning "that which binds." In Zoroastrian mythology, Mithra was a god of light and friendship, son of the supreme god Ahura Mazda; worship of him later spread beyond Persia into the Roman Empire as Mithraism.

The name reflects the rug's own sense of binding order—repeating medallions locked into precise rows and columns, each element agreeing with the next to form one unified field.

Mithra captures the Heriz tradition at its most structured: geometric, rhythmic, and woven with quiet discipline.

• Primary material: Natural wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Dye method: Traditional dyes with abrash
• Foundation: Traditional woven foundation
• Condition: Vintage condition with even wear

Even wear is present across the surface to knot heads, with faint foundation showing through consistent with age.

Sides and ends are fully secured.

Recently professionally cleaned and ready for immediate in-home use.

Vacuum gently using suction only. Avoid rotating brushes or beater bars.

Use a quality rug pad to reduce movement and provide support.

Rotate periodically to encourage even wear. For deep cleaning, consult a professional experienced with vintage Persian carpets.

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Vintage Heriz weavings like the Mithra are unique in drawing, dye variation, and wear pattern.

What is the Karaja style?
Karaja is a village within the Heriz weaving region known for repeating rows of smaller medallions rather than a single central medallion. See our motif guide for more on the symbols used here.

Is it ready for use?
Yes. It has been professionally cleaned and inspected prior to offering.