Type: Persian Ahar Heriz Rug
Origin: Ahar town, near Heriz, NW Persia
Materials: Hand-knotted hand-spun wool pile on a cotton foundation
Age: Circa 1970s-1980s
Size: 10' 7" x 13' 7" (323 x 413 cm)
Thickness: 8 mm
Condition: Great condition. Sun-kissed. Medium/low pile.
This stunning vintage Persian Ahar Heriz rug is a rare and elegant find, especially in such an impressive scale, measuring approximately 11x14 ft.
Hand-knotted in the town of Ahar, near the famed Heriz weaving region in northwest Persia, this piece embodies the refined end of the Heriz family.
While Heriz rugs are known for their bold, angular motifs, Ahar rugs like this one lean more curvilinear and floral, offering a softer, more intricate aesthetic that blends beautifully into both classic and eclectic interiors.
The rug features a grand central medallion with layered floral palmettes and elongated leaf motifs, all framed within an intricate field of terracotta and madder red. A dramatic inky navy border anchors the composition, while ivory and camel highlights add depth and definition to the sprawling vines and blossoms. You’ll also find touches of denim blue, pistachio green and soft blush that lend a painterly quality to the palette.
Woven with hand-spun wool pile on a cotton foundation, this piece has a relatively low pile, giving it a slightly distressed, age-softened look that adds to its charm. It’s ideal for anchoring a formal dining room, a spacious living area, or even a boutique-style bedroom that calls for warmth, heritage, and richness of color.
If you’re drawn to the powerful presence of Heriz rugs but crave a touch more finesse and fluidity, this Ahar Heriz rug offers the best of both worlds. It’s a statement piece with soul, ready to tell its story in your space.