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Persian Bakhtiari Rug Companies In Iran

Persian Bakhtiari Rug Companies over the world

All things you may want to know about Persian Bakhtiari Rugs

The Guide to Buy Persian Bakhtiari Rugs

INTRODUCTION OF PERSIAN BAKHTIARI RUGS

The Bakhtiari tribespeople of the rugged Zagros Mountains is famed for their perilous annual migrations over snow-capped peaks and for their lustrous, deep-toned antique tribal carpets displaying grand scale, cornucopian designs. An early 20th-century visitor to the lush Chahar Mahal district in Central Persia noted: “To me, Bakhtiari carpets are among the most interesting of the tribal village weavings of Persia . . . for they have that quality which we call character: that is, individuality, sincerity, and strength.”

Although they traditionally produced only geometric designs, the Bakhtiaris—along with the Armenian, Kurdish, and other weavers of the Chahar Mahal—were also influenced by the floral carpets of the Persian cities, especially those of nearby Isfahan. This gave birth to an innovative and distinctive stylization. This is found especially in their oversize and palace-size antique Bakhtiatri carpets that were woven on commission by the great Bakhtiari khans. These are among the most highly regarded antique Bakhtiari carpets.

Until the 1930’s Bakhtiari rugs were characteristically woven for use by the tribe or on commission within Persia. As they were rarely produced to be exported, they offer lanolin-rich, extremely durable wool and luminous colors, which were procured through a thorough knowledge of dyeing, using natural dyestuffs.

Bakhtiari Handmade Carpets: A Testament to Pride, Originality, and Irreplaceable Art

 

The mere mention of Bakhtiari handmade carpets fills Iranians with an overwhelming sense of pride and reverence for our rich cultural heritage. These carpets stand as resplendent examples of artistry, carrying the legacy of the Bakhtiari tribe.

Let us embark on a journey to explore the value and originality encapsulated within each thread of these magnificent carpets. It is important to remember that the designs, colors, and patterns showcased in these masterpieces are merely a glimpse into the profound artistic prowess of this spirited region. At times, attempting to assign a monetary value to these works feels unjust, as their significance surpasses mere material worth.
Join us as we celebrate the awe-inspiring artistry of the Bakhtiari handmade carpets, where the dedication of generations past is interwoven with the cultural fabric of our people.

The oversized Bakhtiari carpets represent the endeavors of a group of highly skilled weavers and dyers and usually took up to six years to complete. As well as the enormous time investment this presented, they also posed distinct artistic challenges, and the level of harmony and balance they achieve in their best antique rugs, not to mention their truly inspiring artistry, is incredible.

Many Bakhtiari rugs employ virtuoso central medallion designs presented in a virtual riot of colors. Bakhtiari weavers were also renowned for their dramatic renditions of the “Garden Compartment” motif, usually organized in a series of square-shaped compartments, and much more rarely in a latticework of graceful, bell-shaped compartments. On a few occasions, 19th-century Bakhtiaris are found with a particularly singular Continental-inspired antique carpet design known as Guli Farang, translated as “Foreign Flower”. This highly romantic motif is believed to stem from an English cabbage flower design. The best Garden Bakhtiari rugs present a delightful variety of pastoral scenes within the various compartments, in a wide palette of continually changing colors.

Bakhtiari rugs woven from the 1920s and later are still fairly readily available in today’s market, while the best turn-of-the-20th-century and 19th-century antique carpets have become extremely difficult to find. With the opening of so many large country homes and estates in recent years, the most breathtaking pieces are now in great demand and are demonstrating excellent investment potential.

Bakhtiar carpets are made of strong and sturdy wool. Because the carpets - named after the nomads of the Bakhtiari tribe, who live in the Zagros mountains near the city of Isfahan - are among the most robust of all Persian carpets. They are knotted from thick wool, which reduces their deterioration. It is not as fine and soft as the cork wool of other Persian carpets, but it has a clear advantage in its resistance to everyday stress.

In many places, Bakhtiar carpets are made with motifs inspired by gardens. The so-called Chesti pattern features designs with plants and animals from nature. They are inspired by typical Persian gardens. From time to time one also finds carpets of the Bakhtiari, whose patterns resemble those of the nearby Isfahan region. This type of carpet is often found in the entrance area or passageways of Iranian houses. It not only brings a bit of nature into your home, but it is also an extremely reliable carpet.

HISTORY OF PERSIAN BAKHTIARI RUGS

The Bakhtiari people live in western Iran high up in the Zagros mountains west of the city of Isfahan. Some of the Bakhtiari people continue their nomadic lives tending and leading their herds of sheep between pastures. Farming sheep is the most important job for the nomad and the whole family involved with the animal's care. The men and boys guard the animals wisely women and girls take care of shearing the sheep and then carding and spinning the wall. Out in the countryside, it is possible to see mud huts and nomadic tents made of goat hair. Other Bakhtiari people live in the settlements as farmers or artisans.

Bakhtiari rugs and other weaving associated with the Bakhtiari tribe fall into two groups. The First of which can be described as ‘tribal’ and the second as ‘Workshop’. The Bakhtiari like many of the other great tribal groups of Persia were formed into a confederation in 1867 under the leadership of an Ilkhan (supreme khan or leader); the particular Bakhtiari sub-tribe from the Ilkhan, the Zarasvand, were already very wealthy by this time, owning large amounts of the Chahar Mahall Valley to the east of the Zagros Mountains and also great areas to the west of the range around the town of Shushtar.
The ‘tribal’ weavings of the Bakhtiari consist not only of large and extremely ornate saddle bags and other similar woven containers but also superb rugs woven on wool foundations, some of them very large; compared to the workshop Rugs, the wool-based pieces are rare. Workshop rugs, although also often of magnificent quality and sometimes huge, can be distinguished from the ‘tribal’ Pieces by the fact that they have cotton foundations these were made in workshops of various sizes in the hundreds of villages in the Chahar Mahall Vally owned by the Great khans of the Bakhtiari, as well as in towns in the same region, such as Shahr Kord and Salamzar, which they also owned. In the first part of the twentieth century, when oil was struck on Bakhtiari land and the great Khans owned a share of Persia’s oil revenues, their enormous wealth enabled them to ensure that only the finest materials were used for Bakhtiari rugs. Many such pieces bear inscriptions stating that we’re woven to the order of a particular Khan, all of whom built huge mansions and places throughout the Chahar Mahal and elsewhere in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

How Bakhtiari rugs weave

Bakhtiari Handmade Carpets: Centers of Weaving Excellence in Chaharmahal Province
When it comes to showcasing the weaving prowess of Chaharmahal province, the task of highlighting every single weaving center feels like an exhilarating race against time.
The weavers in Chaharmahal province can be broadly categorized into two main groups, each representing a distinct style and heritage:
1. Qashqai Carpets: These carpets are the magnificent result of the artistic endeavors of both men and women belonging to the Qashqai Turks of Chaharmahal province.
2. Bakhtiari Hand-Woven Carpets: Rooted in the ancestral lineage of the Lor people, these exquisite carpets are the labor of love from the hand weavers of the Bakhtiari and Lor Bakhtiari tribes.
Now, let us provide you with a brief overview of some prominent centers for Bakhtiari and Chaharmahal handmade carpets:
1. Saman
2. Ashgfatak
3. Pirblut
4. Arjang
5. Vardanjan
6. Frieden
7. Borujen
8. Beldaji
9. Faradbneh
10. Hirgan
11. Baba Haidar
12. Ardal

 

In-Depth Exploration of Prominent Qalibaf Towns and Villages

Beldaji: Nestled in the southern region of Chaharmahal province, Beldaji stands as a city renowned for its unique hand-woven carpets. These carpets are predominantly crafted from a single, coarse fabric, resulting in exceptionally robust and durable pieces of art.

Shahrekord: Serving as the provincial capital, Shahrekord holds significance as a hub for the production of two-ply carpets. The carpets originating from this city boast vibrant and lustrous colors, intricately woven into mesmerizing broken designs and patterns.

Frieden: Situated in the northern part of the province, Frieden is a quaint town with a notable population of Armenians. Here, hand-woven carpets grace every corner, characterized by their delightful use of bright and cheerful colors such as cream, pink, and light green. The distinctive texture employed in this area often features large-scale patterns, adding to their allure.

chehel shotor : If you seek affordable yet exquisite hand-woven carpets, look no further than the village of “chehel shotor”! Located in close proximity to Shahrekord, this village serves as the primary center for the production of Bakhtiari Zarif carpets, known for their exceptional quality. Only special and top-notch products are crafted here, predominantly showcasing frame and brick designs. What sets these carpets apart is their ingenious incorporation of semi-circular motifs, lending them a distinct charm.

Saman: Similar to Forty Camels, the area of Saman leans towards producing high-quality carpets with two-ply fabrics. These carpets have become a symbol of this region, recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship and framing techniques.

Each of these towns and villages within the Qalibaf region offers a unique glimpse into the intricate world of carpet weaving. From the sturdy and resilient carpets of Beldaji to the vibrant designs of Shahrekord, and the artistic prowess exhibited in Frieden, Forty Camels, and Saman, Chaharmahal province remains a treasure trove of diverse and remarkable hand-woven carpets.

Bakhtiari rugs are woven on large vertical looms made with steel frames. The tools they use are simple; a knife with a hook for making the knots, a pair of scissors for cutting, and a comb of heavy metal to brush down and merge the rows of knots. The symmetrical knots they use are also known as the Turkish method. In articles or dedicated workshops, a weaver follows a pattern laid on graph paper. They take a piece of yarn thread it around to warp and then tighten the thread and cut off the excess before choosing a new color. The weaver continues until the line is finished then she sets a number of weft threads and in the warp sets them all together using the heavy comb.

A skilled weaver can do anywhere from seven to nine thousand knots in a day. The knot density of nomadic Bakhtiari rugs ranges from 90 to 120 thousand and in the workshops they can reach 150 to 300 thousand knots per square meter. To wave a rug of 6 square meters can take 6 to 8 months for two skilled weavers. When the weaving is completed the fringe is trimmed after which the carpet is washed and laid out in the sun to dry, it is then sold at one of the many bazaars.

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While originally woven by nomadic Bakhtiari, most authentic Bakhtiari rugs are woven in Bakhtiari settled communities in west central Iran southwest of Isfahan in Chahar Mahaal, and Bakhtiari, as well as parts of the provinces of Isfahan, Lorestan, and eastern Khuzestan, most notably in the town of Shahr-Kurd.

Bakhtiari rugs were also known after their place of origin, such as Saman or Hureh (Hori). However, Bakhtiari patterns are copied in other weaving centers in Iran, Pakistan, India, and China; the location-based name often refers to the place of origin of the pattern and the quality of the rug, rather than to its place of actual manufacture. Saman and Hori are now regarded as grades of Bakhtiari rugs, rather than as geographical terms.

Structure
Bakhtiari carpets are based on a cotton foundation (warp) with a wool weft 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 extremely 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 the price is also affected by criteria such as the pattern and the dyes used. Chapel Shotur and Saman pieces are rated slightly beneath Bibibaff productions but are still considered to be good to excellent. Hori carpets are of looser weave and inferior quality and as such, are generally widely affordable.

While Bakhtiari carpets offer a variety of sizes, they generally tend to be smaller in dimensions. The average size of a Bakhtiari handmade carpet is around 2.40 × 1.30 meters, with the average larger size ranging from 3.4 × 2.5 meters. However, larger square carpets can also be found among them.

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.

 

Weaving Techniques:

The weaving techniques employed in Bakhtiari handmade carpets often feature wide, long, and decorative borders. These elaborate side weavings are highly favored by the weavers, adding an extra touch of artistry to the carpets.

By considering these distinctive features, such as the color palette derived from natural dyes, the dimensions of the carpets, and the unique weaving techniques employed, one can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the beauty and craftsmanship of Bakhtiari handmade carpets.

 

 

The Colors Of The Persian Bakhtiari Rugs

One notable advantage of Bakhtiari hand-woven carpets, particularly in the past, lies in the use of natural dyes. Bakhtiari nomadic women would gather plants during their migrations, carefully selecting those suitable for dyeing their carpet fibers. These plants were dried, and their pigments were extracted through boiling in water, often combined with sour pomegranate juice. This natural dyeing method resulted in vibrant and authentic colors that showcased the high quality of the carpets. However, it is worth noting that in modern times, the use of chemical dyes has become more prevalent, replacing the traditional natural dyeing process.

The selection of colors in Bakhtiari hand-woven carpets is a significant aspect. The type and method of color selection are crucial features that distinguish these carpets. The distinct green hue, along with other colors like red, light blue, garlic blue, green, orange, and yellow, are commonly used in Bakhtiari rugs.

The colors used in Bakhtiari rugs are an important aspect of their design and can vary depending on the region and the weaver's preferences. However, there are some common color schemes that are often found in Bakhtiari rugs.

1. Red:
Red is a dominant color in many Bakhtiari rugs, and it is often used as the base color for the rug's design. Red is a symbol of vitality and passion and is believed to bring good luck and fortune.

2. Blue:
Blue is another common color found in Bakhtiari rugs and is often used to represent the sky and the divine. Lighter shades of blue are used to create a sense of depth and perspective, while darker shades are used to add contrast and richness to the design.

3. Ivory: Ivory, or off-white, is a neutral color that is often used as a background color in Bakhtiari rugs. It is used to create a sense of balance and harmony in the design and to highlight the other colors in the rug.

4. Green: Green is a color that is associated with nature and growth, and it is often used in the floral and botanical motifs found in Bakhtiari rugs. Lighter shades of green are used to create a sense of freshness and vitality, while darker shades are used to add depth and richness to the design.

5. Yellow: Yellow is a color that is associated with the sun and is often used to represent warmth and energy. It is used sparingly in Bakhtiari rugs to add contrast and brightness to the design.

6. Brown: Brown is a warm and earthy color that is often used to create a sense of stability and grounding in the design. It is used to create a sense of depth and texture in the rug's motifs and patterns.

Overall, the colors used in Bakhtiari rugs are carefully chosen to create a sense of balance, harmony, and beauty in the rug's design. By understanding the meaning and symbolism behind these colors, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of these beautiful rugs.

The Design Of The Persian Bakhtiari Rugs

Designs and Variety: Exploring the World of Bakhtiari Handmade Carpets

Bakhtiari handmade carpets are renowned for their wide array of colors and patterns, offering a captivating variety that sets them apart. One notable characteristic of these carpets is the use of cotton threads and wool fabric, resulting in lightweight products compared to other hand-woven carpets. This quality makes them particularly attractive options, especially when considering second-hand purchases.

The distinct charm of Bakhtiari carpets lies in their utilization of rhombus and square designs, which beautifully showcase motifs inspired by animals and plants. These elements infuse the carpets with a unique originality and allure, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

As mentioned earlier, the woven designs in Chaharmahal province can be categorized into two main models: Qashqai and Bakhtiari. Let's delve into some of the prominent designs within each category:

  1. A) Bakhtiari Handmade Carpets
  • Brick Design: This popular option incorporates animal and plant motifs within brick-shaped patterns.
  • Toranji: Featuring elastic and bergamot designs, these carpets exude an alluring charm.
  • Cedar and Pine Samovar Frame: Known for their cleverly crafted trick patterns, these carpets showcase frame designs adorned with cedar and pine elements.
  • Enamel Flower: A symbol of aristocracy, these carpets feature intricate flower patterns.
  • Wine Pot: Embellished with blanket flowers and jar pots, this design captures attention.
  • Pots and Trees: Depicting the harmonious coexistence of pots and trees, these carpets exude a sense of tranquility.
  1. B) Qashqai Handmade Carpets
  • Toranji: Characterized by pond-inspired motifs, these carpets showcase a harmonious blend of colors.
  • Coloring: This design celebrates vibrant and diverse color combinations, adding a playful touch to the carpets.

It's important to note that among the mentioned designs, the brick design holds significant prominence, often becoming synonymous with Bakhtiari handmade carpets. Among all the variations, the garden brick design, adorned with meticulously woven plants and flowers, remains a beloved and highly sought-after option among carpet enthusiasts.

The Features Symbolism Of The Persian Bakhtiari Rugs

Bakhtiari rugs, like many Persian rugs, often feature symbolism in their designs. These symbols are used to convey cultural and spiritual beliefs and can vary depending on the region and tribe of the weaver. Here are some of the common symbols and their meanings found in Bakhtiari rugs:

1. The lion: The lion is a common motif found in Bakhtiari rugs and represents bravery, courage, and strength.

2. The boteh: The boteh is a teardrop-shaped symbol that is often found on the border of Bakhtiari rugs. It is thought to represent a cypress tree, which is a symbol of life and eternity.

3. The tree of life: The tree of life is a common motif found in many Persian rugs, including Bakhtiari rugs. It is believed to represent the connection between heaven and earth, and the cyclical nature of life.

4. The bird: Birds are often featured in Bakhtiari rugs and represent freedom, spirituality, and the divine.

5. The medallion: The medallion is a common design element found in many Bakhtiari rugs. It is thought to represent the central axis of the universe and is often surrounded by intricate geometric patterns.

6. The prayer niche: The prayer niche, or mihrab, is a common motif found in Islamic art and is often featured in Bakhtiari rugs. It represents the direction of Mecca, which is the holiest city in Islam.

7. The diamond: The diamond is a common geometric pattern found in Bakhtiari rugs and represents wealth, prosperity, and abundance.

8. The garden: Many Bakhtiari rugs feature intricate floral patterns that represent the beauty and abundance of nature.

Overall, the symbolism found in Bakhtiari rugs is deeply rooted in Persian culture and spirituality. By understanding these symbols, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and meaning behind these beautiful rugs.

Examples of Bakhtiari Rug

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Persian Bakhtiari Rug

Bakhtiyar carpet not only brings a bit of nature into your home, but it is also an extremely reliable carpet.

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Companies of Bakhtiari Rug In IRAN

Bakhtiari-handmade-carpets-s

Persian Bakhtiari Rug

Bakhtiyar carpet not only brings a bit of nature into your home, but it is also an extremely reliable carpet.

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Companies of Bakhtiari Rug over the world

Bakhtiari-handmade-carpets-s

Persian Bakhtiari Rug

Bakhtiyar carpet not only brings a bit of nature into your home, but it is also an extremely reliable carpet.

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Examples are provided from a selection of over 150 Bakhtiar rugs by Tarpood from several Persian rug companies around the world.