$2,900
When we were last there, in 2018, we visited the mausoleum of the Biblical figures Esther and Mordechai who had escaped from the Babylonians over the wild mountain corridors of the Zagros range, where this Persian Bakhtiari Rug originates. It is a resounding call of tradition, a masterpiece of texture and tone that reflects the life and movement of the Bakhtiari tribe. Pure rug art.
In stock
If you would like to see a particular product in person through our Bangalow store, please contact us in advance so we can be of the best assistance.
hello@therugshop.com.au / 02 6687 2424
Free Shipping within Australia.
Your rug will be shipped within 1-3 business days and should arrive within 3-5 business days from the ship date. Multiple items within the same order may not arrive together.
When your order is processed, you will receive an email containing a tracking number and dispatch confirmation.
Domestic shipping we use TNT express couriers & Aus post.
International shipping we use INTERPARCEL.
Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are considering a return. Buyer is responsible for return postage cost. Any returns must be unused and in original of when purchased.
No returns on our “Clearance” rugs or any rugs on sale.
The Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug is one of the most iconic and enduring expressions of Persian tribal weaving. At The Rug Shop, we are proud to offer these extraordinary rugs online, each one a testimony to the artistry and resilience of the Bakhtiari people. To own a Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug is to hold not only a beautiful work of textile art but also a cultural treasure that has carried the spirit of Persia for centuries.
The Bakhtiari are among the most renowned tribal groups of Persia, famous for their migrations across the Zagros Mountains. Twice a year, families moved their flocks through high passes and fertile valleys, carrying with them the looms, wool, and stories that became the foundation of their weaving tradition. This nomadic way of life gave rise to rugs that are both practical and symbolic, robust enough for the journey yet rich in imagery that expressed the tribe’s connection to the land.
The Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug reflects this heritage. Each rug is a living archive of mountain landscapes, flowing rivers, and gardens of paradise, captured through bold colour and geometric or floral designs. They are rugs that belong to the heart of Persia’s cultural history, woven by hand for use, trade, and memory.
One of the most celebrated features of the Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug is the lattice garden design, also known as khesti. The field is divided into compartments, each containing a symbolic motif: a cypress for immortality, a willow for sorrow and endurance, a rose for love, or a fountain for paradise. The arrangement mirrors Persian gardens, designed as microcosms of heaven on earth.
For the Bakhtiari weavers, the lattice was more than ornament—it was a philosophy. The division of space created harmony, order, and a sense of continuity, reflecting the Persian belief that pattern and geometry embody the order of the universe.
The Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug is renowned for its strength and density. Woven from hand-spun sheep wool on cotton warps, with natural dyes derived from madder, indigo, and walnut husks, these rugs were made to withstand generations of use. The pile is often thick, creating a texture that feels both robust and inviting underfoot.
The knotting is typically symmetrical, with high density compared to other tribal rugs, allowing for clarity in design. This quality places the Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug among the most durable of all Persian rugs—a reason why so many examples from the 19th and early 20th centuries survive in remarkable condition today.
The palette of the Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug is as rich as the land from which it comes. Deep madder reds dominate, symbolising vitality and strength. Indigo blues evoke water, life, and infinity. Natural ivory highlights bring balance, while earthy browns and greens connect the rug to soil and mountain.
Over time, these natural dyes mellow into harmonious tones, creating the patina that collectors and connoisseurs value. Each rug becomes not just a visual experience but a tactile one, softened by years of use while retaining its vibrancy.
Every Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug tells a story. The motifs of trees, flowers, and fountains symbolise paradise, while geometric borders create a sense of protection. The lattice divisions are reminders of Persian gardens, which were designed as places of meditation, reflection, and connection to the divine.
The rugs therefore carry both beauty and meaning. They are not only household objects but also expressions of a worldview—where nature, spirit, and art are inseparable.
Serious collectors hold the Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug in high regard because of its blend of artistry and durability. Unlike many tribal rugs, which favour spontaneity, the Bakhtiari tradition achieves both order and individuality. The precision of the lattice pattern, combined with the weaver’s personal variations in colour or motif, makes each rug a unique work of art.
This duality—structured yet free, strong yet beautiful—is what makes the Persian Antique Bakhtiari Rug a lasting treasure.
Can I get the same rug in a different size?
Each of our rugs is an individual, hand made work of art because of that it is not possible for us to have duplicates in different sizes.
How are your rugs made?
All of our rugs are 100% Handmade on a loom. We have created a close relationship with all of the craftspeople who make our rugs which allows us to get the highest quality rugs directly from the people who made them.
Are your rugs new/used?
We offer a variety of both new and used Persian rugs from many areas including Persia, Turkey, and Morocco see below for more info on locations.
NEW: We support over 30 families in Afghanistan who produce the highest quality Persian rugs.
OLD ANTIQUE VINTAGE: We source our used rugs from village and tribal families at source. As well as attend worldwide auctions. We have formed relationships with Persian rug collectors that allow us to get incredible pieces that are not normally on the market.
Can I try before i buy?
We have a “try before you buy” system for approved customers.
Where are your rugs from?
Afghanistan, Persia, Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Morocco etc.
