Large Whimsical Antique Persian Bakshaish Rug with Geometric Pattern, Country of Origin: Persia, Circa Date: 1880
This spectacular large antique Persian Bakshaish rug is one of the most visually arresting examples of the boldly geometric village weaving tradition of the Heriz district in northwestern Iran. The broad warm terracotta-orange field is organized around a large central composition of angular, geometric botanical forms — highly stylized trees, vase-like structures, large open palmettes, bird figures, and angular leaf forms rendered in ivory, pale teal-blue, warm gold, and brown — arranged in a formal bilateral symmetry along the vertical axis of the field. The scale of the individual design elements is deliberately oversized, giving the composition an almost architectural quality: large, bold, and absolutely direct in its visual impact. At the top of the field, a pair of confronted bird figures flanking a central stem add a charming narrative dimension to the otherwise geometric composition. The wide ivory border carries an unusual and highly distinctive design of stacked rectangular cartouches, each containing a compressed geometric motif, repeated around all four sides with the eccentric regularity characteristic of the finest Bakshaish production. This piece also fits within the broader Heriz-region tradition of Heriz, Serapi, and Bakshaish rugs, where village abstraction and bold geometric scale create unforgettable decorative power.
The palette — warm orange ground, ivory, teal, and gold — achieves the characteristic Bakshaish balance of tribal directness and refined chromatic harmony. The orange ground, a tone particular to the Heriz region’s natural dyeing tradition, provides a warm, saturated foundation for the cool teal and ivory of the botanical composition. Collectors who appreciate this rug may also want to explore Heriz, Serapi, and Bakshaish rugs and Persian rugs for related northwestern Persian carpets with strong architectural drawing.
This Bakshaish is an outstanding choice for a significant room that values bold geometric scale and warm color over formal refinement. Its large format and oversized motifs work powerfully in both traditional and contemporary interiors, providing an element of historic tribal authority that defines the character of the entire space. To better understand the visual role of birds, palmettes, and other traditional design elements in rugs like this, read our guide to rug motifs and symbols.
Nazmiyal’s collection of antique Persian Bakshaish rugs is among the most carefully assembled available, with each piece selected for the boldness of its geometric design, the warmth of its natural palette, and the distinctive eccentric character that makes this tradition uniquely compelling. If you need a different size or color, explore our custom rug service.
