Antique Persian Fine Malayer Rug — 1920s | 4'3" × 6'5"

Antique Persian Fine Malayer Rug — 1920s | 4'3" × 6'5"

4'3" x 6'5"
$3,990.00
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Antique Persian Fine Malayer Rug — 1920s | 4'3" × 6'5"

The Ayda

★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING
An heirloom rug from the Malayer collection

Antique Persian Fine Malayer Rug — 1920s | 4'3" × 6'5"

$3,990.00
Authentic
Authentic Antique
Hand-knotted
Persian handmade
Professionally cleaned
professionally cleaned

The Antique Persian Malayer Rug is an early 20th-century hand-knotted wool piece that brings rhythmic geometry and lyrical tonal contrast into intimate living spaces. Woven in Persia circa the 1920s, this Malayer rug features an allover Herati field anchored by a central diamond medallion—balanced, expressive, and richly detailed in character.

  • Origin: Persia (Iran)
  • Age: Antique, circa 1920s
  • Type: Area rug
  • Construction: Hand-knotted
  • Pile: Wool pile
  • Use: Indoor
  • Size: 4'3" × 6'5"

Each rug is handcrafted and timeworn. Variations in size, restoration, wear, and abrash are natural characteristics of antique handmade rugs and reflect their long life rather than defects.


Description

This antique Persian Malayer rug is woven in the classic Herati design motif, rendered in an allover composition that flows seamlessly across the field. A central diamond-shaped medallion provides quiet structure, while corner spandrel overlays echo the form in inverted coloration.

The main border features an abrashed meandering vine and blossom cross-section motif, adding tonal movement and framing the field with architectural rhythm.

The palette is layered and expressive—navy blue paired with rose, powder blue, blush, and sky blue. Abrash softens transitions between tones, giving the rug a dynamic yet harmonious surface.

Ayda is a piece defined by balance: geometric clarity anchored within fluid botanical repetition, scaled for intimate interiors yet rich in detail.


History

Malayer rugs are woven in western Persia and are known for blending village spontaneity with structured workshop tradition.

During the 1920s, Malayer weavers frequently employed Herati fields with medallion overlays, balancing dense repetition with focal clarity.

Antique Malayer rugs from this period are collected for their expressive drawing, nuanced color shifts, and balanced proportions.


About the Name

Ayda is a Persian name often associated with “returning” or “visitor,” evoking movement and gentle presence.

The repeating Herati forms and inverted corner coloration create a sense of cyclical rhythm—motifs that feel as though they return across the field in quiet cadence.

Ayda is a piece that invites close study—subtle in structure, layered in tone, and enduring in spirit.


Materials & Composition
  • Primary material: Wool
  • Construction: Hand-knotted
  • Dye method: Traditional hand-dyed yarns with natural abrash
  • Edges: Original side cord selvages, intact or restored
  • Foundation: Traditional woven foundation

Condition Details

This antique Persian Malayer rug shows even wear down to the knot heads consistent with age.

Most of the original side cord selvages remain intact or have been restored. The ends are not fully secured.

Exceptional restoration has been executed to the outer minor border and is virtually imperceptible. Multiple additional repairs are present in varying degrees of expertise throughout.

One end measures approximately 3'6" while the opposing end measures approximately 3'9", a variation within normal margins for hand-knotted rugs of this type and age.

The rug has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for placement, ideally in a moderate to low-traffic area.


Care Instructions

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

Use a quality rug pad to improve stability and reduce stress on the ends.

Rotate periodically to encourage even wear. For deep cleaning or structural work, consult a professional experienced with antique Persian rugs.


FAQ

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Each antique Malayer rug is unique in drawing, wear, and restoration history.

What makes Malayer rugs distinctive?
Malayer rugs are known for expressive Herati fields, balanced medallion overlays, and nuanced abrash.

Is the rug ready for use?
Yes. It has been professionally cleaned and is ready for placement, though a rug pad is recommended.

Shipping & Delivery

The Leonidas Collection is proud to offer carbon neutral shipping on most heirloom rug purchases.

  • Shipping is calculated at checkout and includes handling and insurance.
  • Select rugs ship free within the continental U.S.
  • Oversized items ship via freight carrier (curbside delivery).
  • Shipping fees are non-refundable.
  • Damage or delivery issues must be reported within 48 hours.
Return Policy
  • Heirloom rugs (including vintage & antique) are returnable within 3 days of delivery, unless otherwise noted.
  • Heirloom rugs purchased on sale or with a discount are final sale.
  • Contemporary rugs are returnable within 14 days of delivery, unless otherwise noted.
  • Return authorization is required.

Please review the full details of our Return & Refund Policy for more information.

We encourage customers to contact us at hello@leonidascollection.com with any questions prior to purchase to ensure confidence in your selection.

Reviews
★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING

"Worth every penny! This is the kind of purchase you never regret." - Selena W.

Read more reviews →

ORIGIN STORY

The Malayer Collection

Ayda is an antique Malayer rug distinguished by structured allover patterning, nuanced abrash, and deeply rooted village craftsmanship. Woven in western Persia, Malayer rugs translate classical Persian motifs into expressive, highly livable designs.

Malayer rugs are celebrated for their Herati patterns, balanced repetition, and complex yet restrained palettes. Durable and quietly elegant, they function as grounding foundation pieces—bringing rhythm, depth, and authenticity to both traditional interiors and thoughtfully modern spaces.

Over 100+ happy customers

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★★★★★

Worth every penny!

This is the kind of purchase you never regret.

— SELENA W. —

★★★★★

The only place you should be buying antiques from.

These folks are always willing to go the extra mile to help you find what you're looking for.

— JACK P. —

★★★★★

Collector-approved.

Beautifully curated. As a long-time collector, I can say their pricing is very fair.

— PIETRO G. —

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Frequently asked questions

Are your heirloom rugs one-of-a-kind?

Yes. Every heirloom rug we sell is one of a kind. The piece shown is the exact rug you will receive, and it cannot be replaced once sold. Learn more about what makes our rugs heirlooms →

Are your rugs hand-knotted?

Yes. All heirloom, antique, and vintage rugs in our collection are traditionally hand-knotted, not machine-made.

Are your heirloom rugs authentic?

Yes. All heirloom rugs in our collection are genuine vintage or antique pieces—not reproductions. Each is traditionally hand-knotted and sourced from a historically recognized weaving region, with age, origin, and construction verified before listing.

What's the difference between vintage & antique rugs?

Antique rugs are typically over 100 years old, while vintage rugs generally date from the 20th century. Both are traditionally hand-knotted and regionally authentic; the difference lies primarily in age, not quality or craftsmanship.

Are antique and vintage rugs suitable for modern homes?

Most vintage rugs are well-suited for daily living. Antique rugs can also be used with care, depending on age and condition. We note any important considerations on each listing. Learn more about why buying vintage & antique matters →