One-of-a-kind

Arak ca. 1940Hand KnottedRug

Dark red / Brown161 x 245 cm

Woven in the storied region of Arak in Persia, this rug belongs to a long-standing tradition of master craftspeople who supplied fine floor coverings to international markets since the nineteenth century. Arak rugs became renowned for their robust structures and sophisticated designs, drawing inspiration from classical Persian court aesthetics while incorporating local interpretations.

The 160,000 knots per m2 density found here is a hallmark of skilled workshop weaving, where tight knotting allows complex curves and fine floral motifs to remain crisp and distinct. This level of craftsmanship ensures that the pile remains upright and supportive, distributing weight evenly and resisting wear over decades of use.

The visual language of this piece centres on an intricate field of organic floral motifs enclosed by a deeply saturated dark-red border. Traditional Arak designs often favour balanced medallion or all-over floral layouts that bring a sense of natural harmony and quiet elegance to interior spaces.

Collecting vintage Arak rugs from the mid-twentieth century offers a tangible connection to heritage and artisanal skill that modern machine production simply cannot replicate. Owning such a piece means preserving a fragment of textile history designed to anchor a room with enduring character.

Crafted entirely by hand using a traditional hand-knotted technique, this rug represents months of dedicated human effort and specialist skill. Artisans individually tie each knot onto the foundation, a meticulous process that dictates the impressive durability and fine detail of the finished piece.

With a total area spanning nearly 4 m2 and a knot density of 160,000 knots per m2, the rug comprises hundreds of thousands of individually placed knots. This high concentration of 100% wool yarn accounts for its generous 15.8 kg weight, reflecting the substantial amount of raw material and intense labour invested by the weaver.