BAKSHAISH "DRAGON & PHOENIX"
Northwest Persian Antique Carpet

(High-Collectible) ("One of “60 Best-of-Their-Type Rugs Sold in 2022") The grandeur of the mythical Bakshaish “Dragon Rug” is prolifically brought to life in this beguiling Northwest Persian village weaving. Bakshaish villagers had a long-standing infatuation with the fabled dragon motif, a design that can trace its roots back through Asian antiquity. Here the dragon can be seen in one form within the central indigo reserve and a very different form in the four corner spandrels. In the centerpiece, two pairs of dragon motifs flank an eye-catching alabaster medallion filled with the venerable “Herati” pattern. Of special note is the breathtaking use of intentional color variation or abrash within the indigo ground, which imparts great visual depth, as if peering out to either water or sky. The use of narrow extensions emanating from the two vertical pendants also imparts an anthropomorphic ambiance. The corner spandrels find the dragon in a decidedly more serpentine visage, with an additional primitive multi-legged animal form resting upon each corner. The main border, also based in brick red, uses a clearly drawn “blossom and oak leaf” design, with minuscule totemic designs gracing the upper border section. A pair of chestnut secondary borders and narrow “barber-pole” guard stripes complete the frame suite.

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