Bakhtiari

The large nomadic tribe of the Bakhtiari in Persia occupy countless mountain villages in the Chahar Mahal region of central Persia, which lies between Isfahan and Sultanabad and which the Khans or princes of the Bakhtiari from the ruling Bakhtiar family purchased from the Persian monarchy in the 19th century. The Bakhtiari have always been skilled weavers of carpets and runner rugs of distinctive character and texture. They continue to weave items of all sizes in the old compositions and colours of their ancient tradition. As this example in the Kenare size (meaning "side rug or runner") shows, authentic Bakhtiari works combine a straightforward drawing style with a more nuanced compositional approach based on the classic workshop designs that originated in the Safavid decorative repertoire of the 17th century. Warm, earthy colours and locally spun wool of exceptional quality are further characteristics of Bakhtiari embodied in this attractive, decorative example of this very famous origin. Natural wool pile and warp weft yarns and an unusual light-coloured background. This runner is a perfect match for this Bakhtiari runner.