Vintage Malayer Runner – Hand-Knotted Wool Rug, Indigo Floral Tree Design

Step into the warmth of village weaving with this elegant small runner. A deep midnight-indigo field carries a vertical “vase & floral tree”—three stacked bouquets rising between slim flowering side branches—framed by brick-red borders of rosettes and diamond meander. The palette (madder reds, indigo, soft leaf-greens, camel, and ivory) reads classic northwest village, and gentle abrash gives the piece life and movement.
Hand-knotted in the Malayer/Hamadan weaving tradition, this is a supple, medium-pile rug with balanced geometry and lively folk florals. It’s a versatile size for an entry, kitchen galley, bedside, or layered under a coffee table—anywhere you want color and craft without overpowering the room.

Description & Expert Notes
Weaving tradition & origin. Structure, palette, and drawing point clearly to the Malayer/Hamadan village sphere of northwest/central West Asia. The stacked vase bouquets, slim floral columns, and small rosette main border are hallmark Malayer village idioms executed with a slightly rustic Kurdish hand.

Knotting & construction. Close-ups of the back show compact, evenly packed knots with squared knot “cells,” indicating symmetric (Ghiordes) knotting on a cotton foundation—typical for Malayer/Hamadan work. The handle appears stout yet pliable, consistent with a single-weft village weave in this region.
Age. Dyes, wear pattern, and drawing quality suggest mid-20th century (c. 1940s–1960s). The indigo ground shows pleasing abrash; browns are stable with only light age oxidation. Ends retain short kilim skirts; sides look original with village overcasting.

Motifs & naqsha.


Central vase & flowering tree = abundance, life, and hospitality.


Flanking blossom chains = continuity/protection along the path.


Main border of rosettes/diamonds = prosperity and cyclical growth.
The design reads as a stylized garden—an archetype in West Asian village aesthetics.


Materials. Hand-spun wool pile, naturally resilient and lanolin-rich, on cotton warps/wefts for stability. Colors read as mostly natural (indigo blues, madder reds, walnut/iron browns, weld-type yellows creating soft greens); any brighter lipstick notes likely small early-synthetic accents typical of the era.
Condition (honest). Very good vintage condition with even, healthy pile (approx. 6–8 mm), intact selvedges, and secure ends. Minor age marks: light fold line across the center, faint specks of old moth nibble and small scattered re-tufting consistent with age—nothing structural or distracting. Clean, odor-free, and ready to use.


Features


Type: Hand-knotted Malayer/Hamadan village runner


Size: 158 × 80 cm (approx. 5’2” × 2’7”)


Pile: Hand-spun wool


Foundation: Cotton warps & wefts


Knot: Symmetric (Ghiordes)


Knot density (est.): ~80–100 KPSI (120–155 kpsi/dm²)


Pile height (est.): 6–8 mm (¼–⅓ in.), medium


Age: c. 1940s–1960s


Colors: Indigo, madder red, camel, ivory, leaf green, small accents of blue & apricot


Condition: Very good vintage; lightly aged ends; secure sides; clean


Authentic vase & floral tree composition on a rich indigo ground


Balanced village drawing with attractive abrash (natural tonal shifts)


Versatile small-runner size—perfect for entry, kitchen, bedside, or layered looks


Durable wool on cotton construction for everyday spaces


Professionally inspected; ready for immediate use



Care Instructions


Vacuum weekly on low suction with the brush off (or a handheld upholstery head).


Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear and sun exposure.


Blot spills immediately; avoid soaking. Use a mild wool-safe solution only.


Professional hand-wash by a rug specialist every 3–5 years (no steam or dry-cleaning).


Use a quality rug pad to prevent slip and extend life.



Styling Ideas
This runner’s indigo ground and warm brick-red borders pair beautifully with oak, walnut, or black steel accents. Works in traditional, cottage, boho, eclectic, Japandi, and modern farmhouse interiors. Let it anchor a narrow hall, add color by the kitchen sink, or frame a reading nook beside a lounge chair.



Add this honest, soulful village weaving to your space.
Have questions about pairing, pads, or layered styling? Send a message—I’m happy to help and can share photos of how it looks with your room palette.