Showcase of Tabriz "Mahi"
Rugs
&
Special Section about Pirouzian Rugs
Dear Visitor,
I have added these pages to my website to show you
some of the common designs in Tabriz Persian rugs.
Amongst the most classic and popular pattern in Tabriz rugs is the "Mahi"
design, which is
also known as the "Fish" design. The Tabriz Mahi rugs are very
common and are typically found in most Persian rug stores. In fact,
this design is so popular that it is also very common to find it in
imitation rugs from China and India. Most Mahi pieces are
standard sized Tabriz rugs with a large center medallion and the main colors are
typically beige, navy blue, and 3 shades of red (burgundy, cherry,
and rose).
The examples above are that of the
most common pattern in Tabriz Mahi rugs. The quality of these type of Persian
rugs can very from the low end of 30 Raj(~80 kpsi) to the super fine 80 Raj (600 kpsi+), although
it is very rare to find them above 50 raj due to the high cost and a
lack of demand. Most of them are in fact in the lower quality
range of 30-40 raj and the high end Mahi rugs are typically found in
the 50 raj quality, which has about 350 kpsi.
Some retailers
like to exaggerate the knot count on these rugs a bit and claim that
theirs have 400 kpsi, but I have learned over the years that this is
simply not true. If you are looking at purchasing one, I have
added a link to a buying guide for Persian rugs in my homepage and
you will find some helpful information that will explain how you can
actually count the knots yourself.
As you can see in the pictures above, the Mahi design is a fairly
busy pattern and many buyers like to place these rugs in heavy traffic
areas such as dining rooms and hallways. I have one in my
dining room and they are great because the design hides just about
any type of spill or accident. We have spilled red wine on
ours and thanks the the burgundy color of the Mahi carpet and the
design, the stain literally disappeared.
The other reason for
their popularity is the design itself and the way it blend in with
the surroundings. Some Persian carpet designs are very "loud" due
to the choice of colors or shape, but the Mahi rugs are typically
very quiet that blend in with the decor of the room and act as an
accent, rather than a showpiece. As you can imagine, I have
several Tabriz carpets in my home and the Mahi rugs are very suited for
their purpose.
Since my
passion has always been for unusual designs and patterns, I try to
offer pieces that many other retailers can not or will not offer due
to their rarity or high cost. Below are examples of Tabriz Mahi rugs
that I have offered in the past that are extremely rare.
Special Section about Pirouzian Rugs
Among the best known and most respected Tabriz
Mahi weavers is the Pirouzian family, who make some of the
finest and rarest Mahi rugs. The Pirouzian family has been
making rugs for several generations and their specialty is in
very fine Tabriz rugs with the Mahi design. They are also
one of only a handful of weavers who actually make Mahi rugs
that are in excess of 50 raj although most of their pieces fall
into the 50 and 55 raj quality range. All Pirouzian rugs are
made of very fine blend of Kurkwool and silk and the workmanship
is such that the rugs are much finer and softer than others in
the same quality range. Also, virtually all of their rugs
feature additional silk highlights that are rarely ever found in
Tabriz rugs and the choice of colors and designs make them among
the most sought after Mahi rugs. In addition, every Pirouzian
rug features the family signature, which is also very rare in
Mahi rugs.
As you look around my various rug sections that feature my
available rugs, you will notice that I typically carry a large
selection of Pirouzian rugs, which is not by accident. My family
has been purchasing Mahi rugs from the Pirouzian for many years
and we are one of only a handful of sellers that offers these
fine rugs on a regular basis. Even though the Pirouzian rugs are
about 15% more expensive than similar Mahi rugs made by others,
the price is well worth the difference in quality and
workmanship. My biggest challenge is with my clients who
purchase these rugs, because once have one of these Mahi rugs,
virtually all want more of the same and are not contend with the
regular Mahi pieces.
To show you why the Pirouzian rugs are so darn popular with my
clients, I have picked out a few pieces that I personally like
and are truly above the rest.
Video about "Mahi" Rugs
Video #3
Subject: Tabriz Persian rugs
with a Mahi design
Description:
8 minute video about Tabriz Mahi Persian carpets,
which are among the best known and very popular designs
in Persian carpets. Along with some general
information, I will also share with you a few rare
examples of Mahi Persian rugs.
I hope that you have enjoyed this article about the Tabriz Mahi
carpets and
feel free to look at my other featured rug designs and my website.
As always, I enjoy hearing my visitor's thoughts and experiences, so drop me
a line or two if you like.
Take care,
Mike Panah
Owner, MP Persian Rug Imports
Other Featured Persian Rug Types
& Popular Designs
