Antique Bakhshayesh Rug 43076

Bakshaish Rug, Persia, Late 19th Century - This extraordinary antique Bakshaish has a design derived from Caucasian rugs woven further north. In the field is a series of quatrefoil medallions surrounded by barberpole outlines in diamond configuration which emit in turn antenna-like projections to either side. Smaller medallions with internal palmettes and dragon-like floral motifs fill the remaining space of the field. A rich figure-eight vinescroll or 'crab' border encloses the field, with reinforcing minor borders of serial rosettes. But despite the arresting design, the ultimate glory of this rug is the rich and varied range of colors, especially the way they work together as a diverse yet harmonious ensemble.