 Bakhshaish rugs originate from Bakhshaish, a small village in the Province of Azerbaijan, has an excellent reputation for traditional rug weaving. Located in northwestern Iran, the traditional rug weavers in Bakhshaish have been strongly influenced by their neighbors in Heriz. Although the patterns and styles are very similar to the rugs produced in Heriz, the distinguishing difference is that the color scheme on a Bakhshaish traditional rug features rich colors such as navy blue or red which are often highlighted with amazing color, while in Heriz the geometric medallion is set on a lighter colored field. Bakhshaish rugs are woven using coarse Turkish knots. This tight knotting process makes it extremely durable.
The Tortoise Herati border is a distinctive characteristic of Bakhshaish rugs. The most frequently used design is a center medallion with pendants on a sparsely decorated field cut by spandrels and framed by a broad main border. These primitive and tribal looking rugs are boldly geometric and woven in brilliant shades of red, blue, and camel. The traditional rug weavers in Bakhshaish are known for their symmetry and their quality, two major factors in determining the value of a rug. The intricate detailing can be seen in the traditional rug weaving as well as in the designs.
The foundation of Bakhshaish rugs may be wool or cotton. However, the pile is almost always wool. These rather large carpets are made in various designs and color combinations and often in odd sizes. Their shape is more square than most other Persian rugs that tend to be more rectangular in shape. The utter charm of their bold patterns and odd sizes only goes to increase their decorative value. Bakhshaish rugs are sought after not only for quality and durability, but the fact that their designs lend themselves to any décor.
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