Provenance and Knotting Tradition

The town of Mehraban lies in northwestern Iran in the historic province of Azerbaijan, close to the world-renowned weaving centre of Heriz. Rugs from this region are known for their extraordinary robustness, their distinctive curvilinear floral patterns, and a depth of colour that no synthetic dye can match — traditionally these pieces were made with vegetable and natural dyes only. The Mehraban village production occupies a particular place within the Heriz family: more curvilinear and floral than the bold geometric Heriz workshop pieces, with a register that pairs floral elegance with structural strength.

This mid-century vintage piece has carried its decades with dignity. It was hand-knotted in the Mehraban district of the Heriz region, Azerbaijan, Iran, between approximately the 1940s and 1960s, from 100% highland wool on a cotton foundation. The characteristic vintage wear — the so-called “worn to perfection” register — is not a flaw but the unmistakable mark of a lived history and authentic craft.

Colour and Composition

The composition is a classic Heriz medallion drawing: a central floral medallion with pendants floats on a warm rust-red field, surrounded by curving vines and stylised palmettes, with densely floral corner spandrels and a deep navy floral border framed by lighter guard stripes. The palette pairs the rust-red ground and navy border with ivory, gold, muted green and salmon in the floral work — decades of life softening the original saturations into a balanced, naturally aged register. The drawing reads clearly from any viewing distance, and the worn-to-perfection patina gives the surface a depth no contemporary production can replicate.

Presence in the Room

At 202 × 138 cm (2.8 m²) this is a versatile small-to-medium piece. Three contexts in which the mid-century Mehraban reaches its full effect:

• Bohemian and eclectic interior: Amid mixed textures, vintage furniture and plants, the Mehraban acts as the visual through-line that holds everything together.
• Classic dark library: Combined with dark wood, leather and brass, the rug unfolds a timeless, masculine elegance.
• Modern contrast: On a white or light floor against neutral walls, the rust and navy become a bold, sensuous statement — a work of art on the ground.

Specifications

Responsible Sourcing · Label STEP

Djoharian is a Label STEP certified dealer for fair-trade knotted rugs — a commitment to dignified working conditions and against child labour in rug production. Visit the Label STEP entry for Djoharian Teppiche →

Djoharian — Since 1967

With roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran and more than five decades of experience in the international rug trade, Djoharian has specialised in antique, designer and collector rugs since 1967.

Service and Delivery

Every piece in the Djoharian Collection is expertly inspected in our atelier in Lohr am Main, professionally washed and shipped with a certificate of authenticity. Secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured, and personal consultation in our showroom or by video call.