Rare Afshar Bidjar 1880
BIDJAR (AFSHAR BIDJAR RARE VARIANT) 1880 or earlier
6 x 4 feet
Acquired from an Australian collector
Bidjar carpets are known as the iron carpets of Asia, the densest and hardest-wearing variety made anywhere. Produced in and around the town of the same name, in lower Northwest Persia in a predominantly Kurdish, centuries old community high in the mountains, at around 6,000 feet. Bidjars have been made in a variety of sizes and the famous medallion with pendant carpets- usually in larger formats- are much prized, command high prices, and are regarded as one high point of 19th century aesthetic achievement in rug weaving.
A comparatively little known direct off shoot of this community, employing the same hammering of knots technique (to achieve density) is of ancient Afshar ethnic origin, comprising several villages within 20 kilometers of the town of Bidjar. They are referred to as Afshar Bidgars .
This vivacious rug is most likely a rare example of the Afshar Bidjar community, based on its composition, unusual drawing, and its outer and inner borders which line the main border. The florette patterns there are almost certainly Afshar.
Of even greater interest in our opinion are the highly unusual Chinese lantern figures in the main border, which seem to float along like balloons in a light breeze. Though borrowed influences and exchange of design elements have carried on for millenia, it is unusual to find such a strikingly recognizable motif as this lantern figure. The rug as a whole displays a freedom and creativity which speaks further to its Afshar origin.
The composition is remarkable for its balance between symmetry and asymmetry. The linking of the repeated boteh figure (which became a pervasive design element, a symbol for the seed of life in Persian carpets, adopted from India in the late 17th century) with snaking lines in intense crimson creates a passionate dance in main field, a celebration of life.
The offset of the sky-blue main border against the deep indigo reserve grounds and completes this nearly 150-year-old piece, as a fine and remarkable work of art. It will vigorously animate any room in which it is placed, and being of Bidjar stock, will withstand any amount of wear which is put to it, providing many decades of viewing and living enjoyment.
$11,600
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