Vintage Persian Mashhad Rug — 1950s | 7' x 10'

A round medallion sits at the heart of this Mashhad, and from it blossoms push outward in every direction, each one seeming to unfurl as it travels, like a garden just beginning to bloom. The drawing is spacious and unhurried, set on an open ground that leaves room for the pattern to breathe.

The ground is abrashed, with soft shifts in tone that ripple across the field like light moving over a still surface. It is the quiet signature of hand-dyed wool, and it gives the rug depth that a perfectly even color could never have.

The palette is gentle and sun-washed: dusty powder blue and terracotta share the stage, while pale coffee brown and ivory bring warmth and calm. Together they sit easily in both traditional and modern rooms.

At 7' × 10', it is a true room-size piece for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. Its worn, softened surface suits a low to moderate traffic space where it can be enjoyed for its character.

Mashhad is the capital of Khorasan province in northeastern Iran, one of the country's great cities and home to the shrine of Imam Reza, a major center of pilgrimage. Its name is also written Meshed, and rugs woven in and around the city have long been known by either spelling.

Mashhad rugs are best known for their large formats, curvilinear drawing, and soft, generous wool. Medallion layouts like this one are a classic of the tradition, and this carpet was woven in the 1950s.

Vintage Mashhad rugs are prized for their scale and for their graceful, lived-in character. Learn more in our guide to rug styles for collectors.

Laleh (لاله) is a Persian name meaning "tulip," the wild red flower of Persian poetry and spring.

The name suits the rug. Its blossoms open outward from a round center, and its terracotta and powder blue tones feel like a field of wildflowers in soft light.

Laleh captures the Mashhad tradition at its most generous: open in drawing, soft in color, and always in bloom.

• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Design: Mashhad, roundel medallion with outwardly directed blossoms on an abrashed open field
• Edges: Original side cord selvages, intact or restored
• Dimensions: One end measures 6'10", the opposite end 7'
• Condition: Vintage, mostly even wear to the knot heads
• Made in: Persia (Iran)

Please note: this rug shows mostly even wear down to the knot heads, with small, isolated areas where the foundation shows through.

Because of this wear, it is best suited to a low to moderate traffic area.

Most of the original side cord selvages remain intact or have been restored. The sides and ends are fully secured.

One end measures 6'10" while the opposite end measures 7'. This variation is within normal margins for hand-knotted rugs of this type, age, and size.

For the most accurate color, please refer to the first image, which was taken in natural light.

The rug has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate in-home use.

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

Use a quality rug pad to improve stability and reduce movement.

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

What is a Mashhad rug?
A Mashhad rug, also spelled Meshed, is a hand-knotted rug from the city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran, known for large formats and graceful medallion designs.

What does "foundation showing through" mean?
It means the pile has worn down to the knot heads in small spots, so the rug's woven base is visible. We describe it plainly so you know what to expect, and we recommend reviewing all of the photos before purchasing.

Is it ready for use?
Yes. It has been professionally cleaned and is ready for placement in a low to moderate traffic area.