Vintage Persian Hamadan Rug Runner — 1930s | 3'3" x 15'11"

The Mehrab's field is covered edge to edge in staggered rows of botehs, each row alternating in direction to create quiet visual rhythm down the runner's length. For more on the boteh motif and other recurring symbols, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The abrashed ground beneath adds natural tonal movement across the field. The palette is cool and earthy: dusty sapphire blue, sky blue, beige, sand, chestnut, copper, pale gold, and antique ivory. Explore more Hamadan pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 3'3" x 15'11", the Mehrab is purpose-built for long hallways and galleries, where its repeating boteh pattern can unfold across the full length of the space.

Hamadan is one of Persia's most prolific weaving regions, encompassing numerous villages that each contribute their own variation in drawing and palette. Allover boteh compositions, like the staggered, alternating rows seen here, are a hallmark of village-level Hamadan production, favoring rhythmic repetition over centralized medallion drawing.

Woven circa the 1930s, the Mehrab reflects this Hamadan tradition in a long runner format. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our Hamadan collection.

Mehrab comes from Persian mehr, meaning "sun" or "friendship, kindness," and āb, meaning "water." This was the name of the king of Kabul in the 10th-century Persian epic the Shahnameh.

The name reflects the rug's warm, sun-touched palette moving through cool waters of sapphire and sky blue—a balance of warmth and coolness echoed in the name's own dual meaning.

Mehrab captures the Hamadan tradition at its most rhythmic: repeating, grounded, and quietly warm.

• 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.

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

Painted numbers are present on the reverse side, a common processing mark for rugs of this type.

One outer minor border shows possible expert reduction, meaning it may have been carefully narrowed by a professional restorer at some point in the rug's history—a documented, accepted practice rather than an undisclosed alteration.

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

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

Use a quality non-slip runner pad, especially important for hallway placement.

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 Hamadan weavings like the Mehrab are unique in drawing, dye variation, and wear pattern.

What does "expert reduction to one outer minor border" mean?
It means the outer minor border may have been carefully narrowed by a professional restorer at some point in the rug's history. This is a documented, accepted restoration practice and does not affect the rug's structural integrity or use.

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