Antique Bakhshaysh Carpet 449x327cm

This delightful antique Bakhshaysh carpet comes from the village of Bakhshaysh in Northwest Iran, a region celebrated for weaving decorative, character-rich rugs with a loose weave and a soft, flexible handle. True to the village aesthetic, this piece embodies the artistic spontaneity and practical ingenuity of rural Persian weavers.

Set on an appealing red ground, the carpet features a bold, stylised fish design, a traditional motif often associated with abundance and continuity. The navy blue border frames the composition with an array of distinctive stylised flowers and leaves, creating balance and grounding the central field.

One of the most charming aspects of this carpet lies in its improvised design adaptation. The weaver, adjusting for size as they worked, compressed the design in two places, resulting in subtle horizontal design breaks—a rare and authentic feature that highlights the human hand behind the weave. The design starts with a more spacious layout and becomes denser and slightly smaller toward the bottom, making this piece especially interesting and full of personality.

The rug is in good antique condition, with small areas of low pile consistent with age. It’s a village masterpiece that offers depth, warmth, and cultural authenticity.

Key Features:

• Origin: Bakhshaysh, Northwest Iran

• Type: Antique Persian village carpet

• Design: Red ground with fish motif and stylised floral navy border

• Material: Wool

• Condition: Good overall, with small areas of low pile

• Unique Feature: Two visible design breaks due to size adjustment

• Size: 449x327cm

• Use: Living rooms, studies, collectors’ spaces, traditional interiors