Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Bakshaish Rugs?
Bakshaish rugs and carpets are rugs made in Bakhshayesh (or Bakshaish), northwestern Iran. Bakshaish is a settlement in Heris County, located on the banks of the Aji Chay. Bakshaish is the district's oldest rug weaving town, located 60 miles east of Tabriz's central city. It is known for carpets with a variety of abstract interpretations of age-old tribal and classical Persian patterns.
Bakshaish carpets are regarded as among the best examples of the region's largest rugs.
- The Origin of Bakshaish Rugs
Bakshaish is a small village in the Province of Azerbaijan, located in northwestern Iran.
- Common Designs: Geometric, Medallion, Herati, Lattice, Minakhani
Bakshaish rugs take the style and sensibility of Northern Iran's most valuable tiny tribal carpets. Bakshaish rugs and carpets' abstract patterns are inspired by traditional Persian carpets and showcase bold geometric shapes. Bakshaish rugs are known for their curvilinear medallion designs, transforming classic cartoons into more abstract and lively paintings akin to Caucasian tribal rugs. Bakshaish carpet designs were similar to those of Arak artisans in the late nineteenth century.
- Common Colours: Blue, Scarlet
Although the designs and styles are quite similar to those produced in Heriz, the colour scheme on a Bakhshaish traditional rug uses rich colours like navy blue or scarlet that are frequently highlighted with stunning colour. In contrast, in Heriz, the geometric medallion is set on a lighter-coloured field.
- Material: Wool, Cotton
Although many carpets have a cotton base and a wool pile, Bakshaish rugs can have a wool foundation or a cotton warp with a wool weft in early antique pieces.
- The History Of Antique Persian Bakshaish Rugs
Scholars believe that the Seljuk invaders taught the residents of this region how to tie symmetrical knots in the 11th century. A certain regularity of design or pattern may be detected in most 18th and 19th century Middle Eastern oriental rug weavings, whether Persian Kashan, Kirman, Tabriz, Turkish Herekes or Mudjur.
Bakshaish was a weaving community in the nineteenth century, populated by the Azeri tribe, who spoke a Turkic dialect. Since the mid-nineteenth century, Bakshaish rugs and carpets have been available on the market. Although many carpets have a cotton basis and a wool pile, Bakshaishes can have a wool foundation or a cotton warp with a wool weft in early pieces. The (symmetric) Turkish knot is widely used. Bakshaish carpet designs from the nineteenth century are geometric tribal rugs, with allover or medallion patterns. Bakshaish weavers translated popular traditional floral arrangements into geometric and tribal patterns for their carpets.
These styles attracted the attention of Western markets and were commissioned by European importers with the addition of some primitive designs.
The astounding diversity of Bakshaish rugs is what sets them apart and makes them increasingly popular among informed collectors.
- Why Choose London House Rugs
We are rug experts at London House Rugs. We've spent more than four decades honing our craft and building long-term, ethical connections with weavers all across the East. A London House Rug has gone through rigorous sourcing, manufacturing, and finishing processes to ensure quality and beauty.
We spend a lot of time seeking the most incredible rugs in the Middle East and establishing long-term, ethical relationships with weaving cooperatives. In our store, we have a vast assortment of new and antique carpets in various sizes.
We collaborate with individuals and businesses to design, manufacture and locate carpets for a variety of applications. Please take a look at some of our recent projects to get a sense of the wide range of services we provide, including everything from a single hearth rug for your own home to a hundred handcrafted carpets for a hotel rollout.
We can help you locate the best rug for your room based on our 40 years of experience.