A Persian Bakhtiar village rug Number 19412 209x130cm

This vibrant rug, with its dazzling colours derived from natural sources, is a splendid illustration of what carpet aficionados term "village rugs." These rugs are the weavings of originally nomadic peoples who have taken up residence in villages.

Under the Pahlavi kings, the central government encouraged and sometimes mandated the settlement of Bakhtiari tribes in the mid-20th century. Most of the Bakhtiari weavers, now settled in villages, employ "asymmetric knots", also known as Turkish knots, to create their rugs. They ensure the stability of the rows of knots by incorporating two wefts per row. The utilisation of high-quality wool, produced locally, adds to the rug's beauty and durability, as exemplified by this magnificent piece.

This exquisite carpet embodies an interpretation of the Persian garden design, wherein cypress trees and roses symbolise young lovers, a theme extensively celebrated in Persian literature.