Antique Bidjar Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Iran
Dimensions: 117 x 137 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Bidjar rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic floral composition featuring a dense all over “Herati” or “Mahi” lattice of interconnected floral rosettes and serrated leaves anchored within a vibrant, saturated madder red field. This structural balance between the intricate repeating patterns and the robust red ground reflects the pinnacle of the Bidjar weaving tradition, often referred to as the “Iron Rugs of Persia” due to their extraordinary durability and heavy, double wefted construction. Rugs of this antiquity are world renowned for their technical rigidity and their ability to maintain a sharp, clear graphic presence despite their dense ornamentation.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary madder red field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of sapphire blue, ivory, and soft camel. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 130 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century Kurdish Persian workshop productions. The inclusion of a wide ivory ground primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of reciprocating multicolored floral palmettes and scrolling vines creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and the distinctive technical finesse of the weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically thick, compact pile and a remarkably firm, substantial handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines specifically the minute internal details of the floral guls and the precisely executed geometric “running dog” and floral guard borders definitively distinguishes this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Bidjar. Ultimately, this rug stands as a premier example of Persian textile art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No: 5934

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