Large 19th Century Baktiar Carpet

Baktiar carpets, woven in Northwest Persia, are well known as among the most distinct, and thus highly sought after, Persian weavings, thanks to their unique combination of the playful, geometric designs of nomadic and tribal rugs, and the scale and high-quality craftsmanship one would expect of a Persian workshop piece. 

This exquisite 19th Century example boasts a highly creative, spontaneous design, with the stamped diamond motif repeated in a wide variety of vegetable-dyed colours, which have taken on great depth and charm with age. 

These include shades of sea green, tan, warm red ochre and sky blue, set against a rare ocean grey background, with a delicate abrash – or, variation in tone – across the field bringing out undertones of blue, framed by an ivory border of great proportions. Despite some age-related restoration, finished to a high standard, this c. 1880 carpet is retained in very good condition for everyday use, with its outer borders complete on all sides, and with a charming patina to its colours. 

One of the most attractive and unusual examples of its type, and in an impressively large format, we have had the pleasure of adding to our collection in some time; we strongly recommend viewing this piece in person, to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of its dyes.