Antique Bakhtiari Tribal Rug, JF5332

This Bakhtiari rug originates from the mountainous Zagros region of Iran, a known center for traditional Persian tribal rug weaving. This particular piece was crafted around 1920 and features a teal background adorned with intricate tribal designs, a hallmark of Bakhtiari rugs. The primary material used is wool on a cotton foundation, a common characteristic for rugs of this type and period, ensuring durability and texture quality.

Bakhtiari rugs are unique for their combination of nomadic and urban influences, showcasing a blend of geometric and floral motifs. This rug continues that tradition with its intricate designs and rich color palette. The central medallion, a prominent feature, steals the show with its predominantly red color highlighted with accents of cream, blue, and black. It is intricately detailed with a mix of floral and geometric patterns, offering a sense of depth and complexity.

Surrounding the central medallion, the field of the rug is densely packed with repetitive floral and geometric motifs. These patterns weave through shades of blue and red with accents of cream and green, creating a textured and richly detailed visual that is typical of Bakhtiari craftsmanship. The high pattern density contributes to the rug's opulent and elaborate appearance, making it a standout piece.

The rug is framed by multiple borders, starting with a narrow band of geometric motifs in cream and blue, leading into a primary border that is wide and primarily red. This main border features large floral motifs in contrasting colors such as blue, cream, and gold. Additional, narrower outer borders echo these floral themes and the overall color scheme, enhancing the hierarchy and directing the viewer's attention back to the central medallion. The design is highly symmetrical, particularly noticeable in both the medallion and the surrounding patterns, which is a defining attribute of Bakhtiari rug artistry.

This rug not only exhibits the artistic and functional qualities typical of Bakhtiari weavings but also encapsulates the cultural and historical richness of the Bakhtiari tribes. The use of natural dyes and precise weaving techniques ensures that this rug stands as a piece of cultural heritage, representing the resilience and artistic contributions of the Bakhtiari people.