Description

Malayer oriental rugs are woven in the Malayer area in northwest Iran between the two major weaving areas of Sarouk and Hamadan. The close proximity to these areas gave the Malayer weavers the opportunity to choose characteristics of both for use in designing their own rugs. Two types of Malayer rugs were the result. One of these more closely resembled the Sarouk and the other the Hamadan.
The designs of the Malayer oriental rugs tend to be fairly geometric and abstract. Typically, they range from diamond or hexagon shaped medallions to all-over patterns such as the classic Herati and various other motifs. Stylized birds, flower heads, and vine and lattice patterns are also used by these weavers.
Malayer rugs woven Sarouk-like tend to have medallions with corners and are more floral in design. Rugs woven Hamadan-like are more geometric with botehs and medallions on a Herati field.