Bakshaish Carpet

This is a truly exceptional antique Bakshaish carpet from North-West Persia. Among the many towns and villages that wove carpets in that remote part of Persia in the 19th century, those attributed to Bakshaish are often the most archaic and genuinely rural in character. That is certainly the case with this carpet. Ostensibly, the design appears to be an elegant repeat stylised floral pattern with flowering vases, palmettes and fan-like motifs arranged in a symmetrical pattern. However, closer inspection reveals a myriad of charming idiosyncrasies, including filler ornaments, large flowers emerging from very small ewers, and even an eye drawn inside one of the palmettes, perhaps as protection from evil spirits. Furthermore, the colours are quite beautiful, from the abrashed terracotta background to the subtle shades of green, yellow and light blue. The blue/brown combination is so striking and reminds one of early Seljuk carpets. The impressive field is framed by a narrow and much more restrained border. It is almost as if the weaver was framing his work of art. This is a wonderful carpet is highly collectible, but would also work very well in many decorative schemes adding real charm and character.
Origin: North-West Persia
Size: 366 x 292 cm
Date: Circa 1880
Condition: Signs of wear commensurate with the age. Minor restoration to one end. Minor repiling. Professionally cleaned.
Ref: UP003
Price: £12,500.00

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