Mahal

This intriguing square format Mahal draws a well articulated, large scale rendition of the ‘Herati pattern’ against an ochre ground. The ‘Herati pattern’ is a repeat design of foliage and blossoms arranged in quatrefoils centered on small rosettes surrounded by a lattice. It is generally drawn in much smaller scale, with an average piece this size having multiple columns of repeat. Here we find a solitary single central column of design with half portions flanking on either side. This grand and novel reinterpretation of traditional Persian design is fully in keeping with the aesthetic of Mahal weaving of the late 19th century, and was a major reason for its appreciation in Europe.