BAKSHAISH "PHOENIX"
Northwest Persian Antique Carpet

(High-Collectible) ("One of “60 Best-of-Their-Type Rugs Sold in 2022") In semi-illiterate but artistically brilliant cultures, folk tales and symbols that flowed between the Far East and Near East morphed and combined in endless ways. This piece is one of a small group of 19th century rugs from the Bakshaish tradition depicting the mythological bird, the Phoenix. The myth of this enigmatic creature, an entity that can be reborn from its own ashes, is compelling storytelling and an important symbol emphasizing the regeneration of life. In the Azerbaijanian territories, it was also called "Simorg," another benevolent majestic bird that appears in the Sufi tale "The Conference of the Birds" by Farid Ud-Din Attar, written in 1177 CE. In this carpet, the makers captured their interpretation of this narrative, picturing a majestic protector flying over a blooming domain amidst colorful abstracted flora on an alabaster ground. The magnificent Phoenix's enormous breast, neck, and wings are covered in a finely drawn deep indigo latticework. Dangling tail feathers and a noble head and beak in burnt orange visually connect with the giant bird's fearsome claws, communicating its mythological strength. Amidst a spacious background of highly abstracted botanical drawing, the Bakshaish weavers of this unforgettable carpet created a unique oval "piping" frame to enclose the field and form corner spandrels. The daffodil, oak leaf, and rosette main border are awash in scintillating shades of "Bakshaish Blue."

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