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The Negin
★★★★★ 4.9 STAR SELLER RATING
An heirloom rug from the Malayer collection
Vintage Persian Malayer Rug — 1930s | 4'9" x 6'3"
The Vintage Persian Malayer Area Rug is an early 20th-century hand-knotted wool piece that brings expressive repetition, vivid color play, and village-level nuance into intimate living spaces. Woven in Persia circa the 1930s, this fine Malayer rug features an allover repeating Veramin-inspired motif—rhythmic, slightly asymmetric, and alive with subtle variation.
- Origin: Persia (Iran)
- Age: Vintage, circa 1930s
- Type: Area rug
- Construction: Hand-knotted
- Pile: Wool pile
- Use: Indoor
- Size: 4'9" × 6'3"
Each rug is handcrafted and timeworn. Variations in weave, motif placement, and color are natural characteristics of vintage handmade rugs and reflect their authenticity rather than imperfections.
DESCRIPTION
Negin is defined by an allover field of repeating Veramin-style motifs—compact, interlocking forms that establish rhythm without relying on a central focal point. The pattern repeats consistently, yet never mechanically, with slight shifts in alignment and contour that reveal the hand of the weaver.
Subtle asymmetry appears in the drawing and mapping of the motifs, alongside alternating color fills that keep the surface visually active. These nuances prevent uniformity, allowing the rug to feel animated and expressive rather than rigid.
The palette is exceptionally rich and layered, combining indigo blue and sky blue with faded raspberry red, antique ivory, beige, sand, dusty saffron yellow, and coffee bronze. Abrash and tonal fluctuation create depth and saturation, giving the rug a jewel-like presence without heaviness.
With its dense patterning and vibrant coloration, Negin functions as a grounding accent piece—ideal for smaller rooms or layered settings where detail, texture, and history are meant to be noticed.
HISTORY
Malayer rugs are woven in western Persia and are known for their individuality, expressive drawing, and village-level interpretation of classical Persian design language. Unlike large workshop carpets, Malayer pieces often reflect the personal rhythm and decisions of the weaver.
The Veramin motif—characterized by repeating, compact forms—is traditionally associated with durability and continuity, making it especially well suited to allover compositions.
By the 1930s, Malayer weavers frequently combined these established motifs with bold color choices and improvisational drawing, resulting in rugs that feel both historically grounded and vividly alive.
ABOUT THE NAME
Negin is a Persian name meaning “jewel” or “precious stone.” It is often used to describe something small in scale but rich in value, detail, and presence.
That meaning mirrors this rug’s character perfectly: compact yet visually dense, with saturated color, intricate repetition, and subtle irregularities that reward close viewing.
Negin is a piece that reads like a gem set into a room—concentrated, luminous, and quietly powerful.
MATERIALS & COMPOSITION
- Primary material: Wool
- Construction: Hand-knotted
- Dye method: Traditionally dyed yarns with natural abrash
- Edges: Fully secured sides and ends, professionally restored
- Finish: Stable and reinforced for continued use
CONDITION DETAILS
This vintage Persian Malayer rug is in good, stable condition consistent with its age and use. The wool pile shows even wear down to the knot heads.
There is tatter present at either end, which has been recently professionally restored. The sides and ends are fully secured.
For processing purposes, this and other rugs of this type may have painted numbers on the reverse side.
The rug has been recently professionally cleaned and is ready for immediate in-home use.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Vacuum gently using suction only. Avoid beater bars and rotating brushes.
Use a quality rug pad to provide support and help reduce movement.
Rotate periodically to encourage even wear. For deep cleaning, consult a professional rug cleaner experienced with vintage and hand-knotted rugs.
FAQ
Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Each vintage Malayer rug is unique in drawing, coloration, and wear.
What defines Malayer rugs?
Malayer rugs are known for expressive geometry, allover compositions, and village-level individuality.
Is the rug ready for use?
Yes. This rug has been professionally cleaned and restored where needed, and is ready for immediate placement.
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
★★★★★ 5.0 STAR SELLER RATING
"Worth every penny! This is the kind of purchase you never regret." - Selena W.
Origin Story
The Malayer Collection
The Negin is
★★★★★
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. —
★★★★★
Leonidas Collection Does it right
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.
Are antique and vintage rugs suitable for everyday use?
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 →
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