443. a beguiling old Bachtiari tribal rug

443. Provenance: Bachtiari tribe, Western Persia

Size: 205 x 140 cm

Age: Circa 1920

Condition: Good.

Notes: A delightful and uncommon design with a clearly drawn, white-based central medallion surrounded by a wealth of flowers and four gorgeous light blue spandrels. The Bachtiaris are nomadic herders, living and working in some of the harshest semi-arid mountain environments of Iran, but they invariably weave lush floral garden carpets and rugs. I love the idea of the weaving women dreaming of intensely irrigated, cultivated and ornate palace gardens - a world away from their own existence. This piece has excellent colours, particularly the indigo blue, the natural green, and the soft pink. The influence of the gul farangi design (from 18th century French Aubusson palace carpets) can be seen at either end of the medallion.