Bakhtiari Rug
The Bakhtiari tribe, based in Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari, is well known for their rugs and weavings.[1][2] They have been weaving rugs exported around the globe since the early 19th century.
Geography
While originally woven by nomadic Bakhtiari,[3] most authentic Bakhtiari rugs are woven in Bakhtiari settled communities in west central Iran southwest of Isfahan, Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari and parts of the provinces of Isfahan, Lorestan, and eastern Khuzestan. However, their patterns are copied in other weaving centers in Iran, Pakistan, India and China.
Structure
Bakhtiari carpets are based on a cotton foundation (warp) with a wool weft[4] usually taken from the herds of the producing tribe. This leads to unique carpets that differ depending on the characteristics of each tribe’s wool. The wool can range from dull to extreme glossy and the resultant pile is clipped medium to high. The best carpets with the highest knot density are often known as Bibibaff. Prices range considerably with the highest knot density rugs generally being the most expensive, but criteria such as dyes and pattern factor in. Chapel Shotur and Saman pieces are rated slightly beneath Bibibaff productions, but are still considered to be excellent. Hori carpets are of inferior quality and as such, are generally widely affordable.
The carpets are considered among the most durable of Persian carpets.[citation needed] The sizes vary from narrow hall carpets to large room designs, often up to 4 x 5m. The larger rugs tend to be very rare and harder to come by. Similarly older rugs, often coveted by collectors, can be extremely costly.
Patterns
Patterns are usually floral or garden inspired. The Khesti, an established garden motif is perhaps the most well-known rug design. The carpet is divided into individual squares with animals and plants acting as symbols. Another influential design features a decorated field with lattice designs and floral ornaments.
Colors
The use of colors varies depending on styles of certain tribes. Generally they include shades of white, reds, browns, greens, and yellows. Interestingly, blue does not appear to feature. Natural dyes produce a variety of color, particularly obvious on older Bibibaffs.
Notes
- ↑ MacDonald, Brian W. (1997). Tribal Rugs: Treasures of the Black Tent. Woodbridge, Suffolk, England: Antique Collectors' Club. pp. 281–282. ISBN 978-1-85149-268-8.
- ↑ Campbell, Gordon (2006). The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts, Volume 1, Aalto to Kyoto pottery. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 198. ISBN 978-0-19-518948-3.
- ↑ "Double-bag (khorjin), front, Bakhtiari tribe, Iran, 19th or 20th century". Washington, DC: The Textile Museum.
- ↑ Jerrehian, Aram (1990). Oriental Rug Primer: Buying and Understanding New Oriental Rugs. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Running Press. p. 149. ISBN 978-0-89471-739-0.
References
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