Bakhshayesh rugs are one of the categories of Persian rugs and are considered by collectors, to be the best rugs in the world. The quality and artistry that is involved in the creation of Bakhshayesh rugs ensure that they can last through several generations. It is easy to recognize why these rugs can become heirlooms because they are not only enjoyable to look at, as they enhance any area, while the value appreciates. 

When decorating your home, or even your offices, it can be a very wise decision to include Bakhshayesh rugs, notably, during more robust economic climates, as they may be obtained at lower prices, and they almost always increase in value over time. The name ‘Bakhshayesh rug’ is derived from a beautiful city Bukhshayesh that is located in North West Persia in the East Azerbaijan Province, just southwest of the city of Heriz.

Origins of the Bukhshayesh Rug

The Bukhshayesh rug is one of the most effective and pivotal components that display the central theme of Bukhshayesh art and culture. Crafting of artistic Carpets had always been one of the salient manifestations for the Bukhshayesh artistes.

Antique Bakhshaish Rug

Delving deep into the issue and spanning back to the Bronze age several thousands of years back; it can be easily understood that carpets that were crafted during those period used to provide the aesthetic and magnificent flavor of royalty.

The rugs of the present times have changed a lot. But the inspirational flavor of the classical royalty can still be found in the Bukhshayesh rugs with some beautiful blend of modern artistic concept. This is one of the salient features of the great Persian rugs while some of the other worth mentioning features still do exist.

True Criterion of Bukhshayesh Rugs

The art in case of the Bukhshayesh rugs are significantly based on Persian culture, and hence a galore of beauty synchronized with classical style are the true criterion of the beautiful art. Wools and cotton are the most common materials used in case of the Bukhshayesh rugs just like the Persian rugs. This tends to give a unique textured look.

Bakhshayesh rugs are generally crafted with the high degree of dexterity and hence turn out to be much more hardy and durable. The rugs have initially been hand-knotted, by nomadic tribes-people for protection from the cold, and as time evolved, they become highly prized objects d’art. They appear to be coveted, not only for the insulation qualities, but they can also add a feeling of warmth and coziness, to any colder environment.

In the beginning, Bakhshayesh rugs were created to be functional, but as time progressed, the Persian weavers began to include some form of cultural expression. The mats were used to tell stories and covered much of the images of folklore and tradition.

Bakhshayesh Designs

Bakhshayesh rug designs may be rectilinear or curvilinear; the latter is the more complex of the two. Traditional rug weavers commit the designs to memory. In a more recent method, intricate designs are developed on graph paper and drawn to scale using actual colors. Since each square of the graph corresponds to a weaver’s knot, the outcome is exactly like the design. Computerized designs have now replaced the manually drawn ones on a graph.

Classic Bakhshayesh rugs designs include motifs or patterns that are mapped out within a border or some borders. The motif is placed within the confines of the border – either all-over or in the middle or to one side. Adaptations include the repeat medallion in which the central medallion pattern is repeated in a column or grid formation. Gabbeh rugs and Kelims are examples of unsymmetrical designs of Persian rugs.

With time, the motifs became popular, and one can now find a mix of the motifs in a single rug. But the ancient patterns remain as main patterns, and the variations form the subpatterns.

Bakshaish Carpet Sizes

Bakshaish (Bakhshaish or Bakhshayesh) carpets are in a class by themselves among the oversized rugs made in Persia.

Bakshaish carpets were the product of the Persian home craft, often woven in room size (typically 9ft x 11ft to 11ft x 14ft) on a loom attached to the outside wall of the weaver’s home. Area size Bakshaish rugs (normally 4ft 6in x 6ft 6in and sometimes as small as 2ft x 4ft) are only occasionally seen, the best of which are highly prized by serious collectors. Rare examples of these magnificent Bakhshayesh rugs can occasionally be found in sizes ranging from 11×15 to 12×18. Extremely seldom seen in this style are sizes larger than 12×18, runners, or keleges (corridor rugs).

All-over field designs of over-scale emblematic or stylized floral patterns offer striking graphic artistry. Bakshaish rug weavers are renowned for creating carpets featuring the age-old Tree of Life motif. They fit perfectly into contemporary or casual decors and brilliantly enhance the casual, organic ambiance of mountainside homes.

How to Care for Bakhshayesh Rugs

Inadequate cleaning can ruin your valuable Persian rug. It can damage the fibers, bleed out the colors, and leave a messy residue.

When it comes to Master Rug Cleaning, we’re simple to best! We know the value of your Bakhshayesh rug, and we promise never to hurt your heirloom.

For any questions about your Bakhshayesh Rugs or any kinds of Rug, feel free to contact us. We’re experts in the rug world.