Bakhtiari rug
The Bakhtiari rug, along with other woven textiles, is a significant art form of the Bakhtiari people, who reside in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran.[1] [2] Since the early 19th century, Bakhtiari rugs have been produced for both local use and international export.
Geography
[edit ]While originally woven by nomadic Bakhtiari,[3] most authentic Bakhtiari rugs are produced in settled Bakhtiari communities in west-central Iran, southwest of Isfahan, primarily in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province and parts of Isfahan, Lorestan, and eastern Khuzestan. The town of Shahr-e Kord is particularly notable for its rug production.[4]
Bakhtiari rugs were historically named after their place of origin, such as Saman or Hureh (Hori).[4] However, Bakhtiari patterns have been widely copied in other weaving centers in Iran, Pakistan, India, and China. In many cases, the location-based name refers to the pattern style and quality of the rug rather than its actual place of manufacture. Today, "Saman" and "Hori" are considered grades of Bakhtiari rugs rather than strictly geographical designations.
Structure
[edit ]Bakhtiari carpets are woven on a cotton foundation (warp) with a wool weft,[5] typically sourced from the herds of the producing tribe. This results in unique carpets that vary depending on the characteristics of each tribe's wool. The wool can range from dull to extremely glossy, and the pile is usually clipped to a medium to high length.
The highest-quality Bakhtiari carpets, distinguished by their high knot density, are often known as Bibibaff.[6] [a] Prices vary considerably, with higher knot density rugs generally being the most expensive, though pattern complexity and the dyes used also affect value.
Other notable Bakhtiari rug classifications include Chapel Shotur and Saman, which are slightly lower in quality than Bibibaff but are still considered good to excellent. In contrast, Hori carpets are of looser weave and lower quality, making them more widely affordable.
Bakhtiari carpets come in a variety of sizes, from narrow hall runners to large room-sized rugs, often measuring up to 4 m ×ばつ 5 m. Larger rugs are rare and difficult to find, making them more valuable. Similarly, older Bakhtiari rugs, highly sought after by collectors, can be extremely costly.
Patterns
[edit ]Bakhtiari rug patterns are typically floral or garden-inspired. The Khesti motif, a well-established garden design, is one of the most recognizable Bakhtiari rug patterns. This design divides the carpet into individual squares, each containing animals, plants, or other symbolic elements.
Another notable design features a decorated field adorned with lattice patterns and floral ornaments, creating a visually intricate and symmetrical composition.
Colors
[edit ]The use of colors in Bakhtiari rugs varies depending on the weaving traditions of different tribes. Generally, the color palette includes shades of white, red, brown, green, and yellow. Notably, blue is rarely featured.[citation needed ]
Natural dyes contribute to variations in color, which are particularly noticeable in older Bibibaff rugs.
Notes
[edit ]References
[edit ]- ^ 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. Archived from the original on September 13, 2012.
- ^ a b "Carpet Gallery: Bakhtiari". Farhangsara. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014.
- ^ Jerrehian, Aram (1990). Oriental Rug Primer: Buying and Understanding New Oriental Rugs. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Running Press. p. 149. ISBN 978-0-89471-739-0.
- ^ a b "Carpet glossary: A-C: Bibibaff". CarpetEncyclopedia. CarpetVista AB Sweden. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015.