Bijar rug ( Poshti), north-west Persia, circa 1930.

 

Wool pile on cotton warp.

 

Size 79 cm x 62 cm.

 

Good condition.

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Woven circa 1930 Bidjar (Bidjar / Bijar) is a market town in north-west Persia (Iran), about 220 km south of Tabriz. The desert town of Bijar and the surrounding countryside are mainly inhabited by Kurds, whose artistic expertise and culture is evident in their beautiful carpets. At the beginning of the 20th century, Bijar (Bidjar) was a small town with a population of 20 000, but was the centre of a major textile producing area. in Bijar (Bidjar) small workshops produced superbly crafted rugs and carpets.

 

Note the clever use of contrasting colours in the fields and medallions of this rug and the exquisite classic Persian floral and foliage patterns. The red and aquamarine of the borders it particularly beautiful. This Bijar is a very user-friendly size.

 

Bijar (Bidjar) rugs are world-renowned for their fine artistry, craftsmanship and excellent materials and can be recognized by their heavy wool (cotton in 20th century rugs) foundation. As the weaver knots each row, they add wet weft yarns, which, when dry, form a tight foundation that allows the antique Bijar (Bidjar) rugs, known as 'Persian iron carpets', to withstand 200 years of heavy use. Weavers in the region have transformed many of the classic designs of antique rugs with their own interpretations. "Mina khani" and "Herati" Persian rug designs (both very detailed repeating patterns) and diamond-shaped medallions were frequently used. Pendant motifs can be seen on the vertical ends of the medallions on antique Bidjar rugs.

 

As the culmination of centuries of textile tradition, the finest Bidjar antique rugs are wonderfully refined works of art, yet their design and colour palette are unique to tribal rugs themselves, not found in other city carpets. They are highly valued by collectors and rug lovers for their uniqueness, durability and decorative qualities. It fits well in a wide range of interiors, from traditional to contemporary.