Persian rugs embody ancient traditions and cultures passed down for thousands of years. At their most symbolic, their geometric figures and motifs protect the rug’s owner from evil and misfortune. In the case of tribal designs, such as animals, people and everyday objects, they are a classic example of art imitating life and life imitating art, as the design-rich repertoire of Persian rug weavers continues to inspire artists and designers the world over. Such carpets and rugs are often the most valued family possessions, even today.
Named after the weaving tribe or the place where they are woven, each carpet pattern, palette and weave is uniquely linked with the culture and weaving techniques of an area or tribe. Take, for example, the famous Bidjar rugs, the ‘Iron Rugs of Persia’.
Although the Kurdish town of Bidjar, which lies in one of the most fertile areas of northwest Iran, is small, the high quality of its carpets has gained it an international reputation. Bidjar rugs are known for their supreme strength and durability. The weavers still work in local villages, creating their rugs by hand as they have done for generations.
The Bidjar weavers use double knot construction to give the strong, raised pile that is a distinctive characteristic. They employ a special tool, not unlike a huge claw, to beat the weft strands together into the exceptionally compact foundation for the pile, which makes the rug extremely dense and heavy—one of the most hardwearing of any in the world. This densely packed pile is so tight that the pile cannot lay down, and because the fibres are constantly erect when you step on the rug, it has a cushioned feel that makes it wonderful to walk on. For this reason, and because the colour palette is so beautifully rich and jewel-toned, Bidjar rugs remain the classic floor covering for country houses and interior design settings.
Bidjar’s carpet weaving traditions were formed through a combination of cultural isolation and assimilation that is evidenced in the diverse range of designs—as well as the continued use of natural dyes throughout the 1920s when many other regions adopted modern methods. These designs often include sophisticated patterns with small details that highlight their origin in the village. Their colour palette is harmonious, which accentuates their propensity for looking good with almost any interior design scheme, and with antique and contemporary furniture.
Here we present a traditional handmade Bidjar rug made by a single weaver using quality, lustrous local wool, hand woven on cotton warps. It is double-knotted, 250 KPSI (the higher the number of knots, the better the quality) and this rug is therefore classed as high quality. It has a traditional colour palette and a classic Bidjar pattern.
It measures 149cm x 100cm (just under 5ft by 3ft 3in). Strips along the long edges prevent curling. It is more than 20 years, unused, and very beautiful.
Traditional hand-knotted Persian Bidjar Rug (149cm x 100cm, just under 5ft by 3ft 3in). RRP £525. CCUK £198.
This particular rug has sold to a Member, but we have a new supply of Bidjar rugs, just arrived. Please call us on 020 7399 2960 to arrange a viewing at the Club (11 Princes Street, Mayfair, London W1B 2LJ) or photographs of the new rugs by email if you a visit would be inconvenient.
Delivery in mainland UK is free of charge.