Vintage Persian Heriz Carpet — 1950s | 9'8" x 12'4"

The Anahita's oversized center medallion is drawn in quatrefoil orientation, its large-scale trefoil blossoms opening outward with confident, sculptural presence. Sharp, serrated palmette finials mark either end of the medallion, sitting atop a field of sprawling, interconnected leaf and blossom motifs that cover the ground edge to edge. For more on palmette and medallion motifs, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The corner spandrels feature samovar and cloudband stylized elements, finished with detailing that nods to the dragon-carpet motifs of centuries-older weavings—a subtle link to Persia's deepest textile traditions. The palette is cool and refined: cream, cobalt blue, sapphire blue, powder blue, beige, sand, ivory, pale coffee brown, and dusty teal. Explore more Heriz pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 9'8" x 12'4", the Anahita is a grand, room-size piece, ideal for formal living rooms and dining rooms where its oversized medallion and layered detail can command a large space.

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. The dragon-motif detailing found in the corner spandrels here nods to a much older lineage of Persian and Caucasian "dragon carpets," an archaic decorative tradition whose stylized forms persisted in more subtle, abstracted ways in later weaving.

Woven circa the 1950s, the Anahita reflects this Heriz tradition at grand scale, layering historical motif references into a confidently modern composition. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our Heriz collection.

Anahita means "immaculate, undefiled" in Old Persian. This was the name of an Iranian goddess of fertility and water, known in the Avesta as Arəduuī, with anāhita appearing as her descriptive epithet. She has historically been identified with the Semitic goddess Ishtar and the Greek goddess Artemis.

The name reflects the rug's cool, water-toned palette and its sense of flowing, sprawling growth across the field—leaf and blossom motifs spreading outward the way Anahita's mythic waters were said to nourish the earth.

Anahita captures the Heriz tradition at its most majestic: expansive, richly detailed, and rooted in ancient symbolism.

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

Even wear is present across the surface to knot heads, consistent with age.

Most original side cord selvages are intact or have been sympathetically restored. Sides and ends are fully secured.

Minor areas of localized restoration are present, consistent with a rug of this age and size.

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 Anahita are unique in drawing, dye variation, and wear pattern.

What does the dragon-carpet detailing mean?
The corner spandrels nod to archaic "dragon carpet" motifs found in much older Persian and Caucasian weavings, reinterpreted here in a more subtle, stylized form. See our motif guide for more.

Has this rug been repaired?
Yes, it has minor areas of localized professional restoration, consistent with a piece of this age. It is fully secured and ready for use.