BAKSHAISH "DRAGON AND PHOENIX" SILK
Northwest Persian Antique Rug

(High-Collectible) ("One of “60 Best-of-Their-Type Rugs Sold in 2022") To our knowledge, a silk Bakshaish rendition of the Dragon and Phoenix carpet design is exceedingly rare. We do not have any recollection of ever seeing one. This rug is further exalted by a bounteous measure of deeply dyed saffron at the border and at the center and a striking presence of cochineal red, signaling the piece may have been commissioned. The village of Heriz, 15 miles from Bakshaish, was the seat of a small production of astonishingly finely woven silk rugs at the time of this carpet's creation. To this day, little is known about how such a rustic setting could be the site of weavings that rival those from city centers such as Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kashan. However, there is precedent in the royal Safavid workshops of the 17th century to the north in Caucasian Karabagh, and their specialty was Dragon-themed carpets! The magnetically compelling deep indigo centerpiece displays a heavily bejeweled cruciform structure protecting four golden stylized "Dragon and Phoenix" motifs. The surrounding ivory field is awash with delicate vines, leaves, colorful blossoms, and pairs of broad flowerheads. Reflecting the penchant of Bakshaish weavers, the top and bottom corner spandrels contain a completely different design paradigm adding to this fantastic carpet's palpable magic and mystique.

Read About Bakshaish Rugs

Watch Our Bakshaish Rug Video

Learn About High-Collectible Rugs