Mid 19th century, 191 x 152 cm, North West Persia, Azerbaijan

An early small-format Bakhshaish woven in transparent colours. Separated from the azure spandrels by steep stepped gables, the light red, shield-shaped field contains a dark blue, hexagonal central medallion with a smaller white-ground hexagon nested within it. All the examples cited below display the same composition. The austere geometric style of drawing and the high proportion of undecorated spaces are a characteristic feature of these rural rugs made in the villages of the Bakhshaish region. Their closeness to the neighbouring Caucasus is manifested in the design of the white main border, which shows a double vine decorated with abstract birds. – Signs of age and wear, uniformly low pile, a number of small repiled areas. Both ends minimally reduced, original selvedges.

HERRMANN, EBERHART, Seltene Orientteppiche IV. München 1982, Nr.52 *** ESKENAZI, JOHN J., L'Arte del Tappeto Orientale. Mailand 1983, Nr.164 *** RIPPON BOSWELL, A 71, 24.04.2008, #244