The ‘mahi’ or fish design is an established pattern associated specifically to Tabriz and forms a specific group of fine Tabriz weavings. It is based on the established ‘herati’ design which is seen throughout the middle eastern carpet weaving world though is woven in small scale and in exceptional fine detail. This motif is then repeated to form an all-over pattern or is combined and applied to medallion formats. The ‘mahi’ and ‘herati’ motif is defined by a rhombus which encloses a rosette with smaller rosettes at each corner and with sets of four small, serrated leaves along each side. This motif is then repeated to form an all-over pattern.
