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The Bakhtiari tribes of central Iran, who traditionally lived along the eastern slopes of the Zagros Mountains, are among the oldest nomadic peoples of the region. Throughout Iranian history, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they played an important political and cultural role. Their powerful tribal leaders, known as khans, were influential figures who at times helped shape the political landscape of Iran.
During the period surrounding the Constitutional Revolution of the early 20th century, Bakhtiari leaders were especially prominent. Many of these khans were remarkably well educated and forward-thinking. Although they led nomadic communities, they often sent their sons to Europe—particularly to France—for education, which contributed to their intellectual and financial strength.
Their refined taste and cultural awareness also influenced the development of Bakhtiari carpets. While many Bakhtiari families wove rugs for their own tents and everyday use, a small group of highly skilled weavers was commissioned by powerful khans to produce exceptional carpets for their households. These so-called khan carpets were usually made in much larger sizes and with finer materials than ordinary nomadic rugs.
The carpet presented here is an impressive example of such work. Woven in an extra-large format, it combines the charm and authenticity of tribal weaving with the grandeur and presence of a city carpet. The wool used in these pieces was typically of excellent quality, and the dyes were prepared from natural sources, roots, plants, and minerals found in the surrounding mountains, giving the carpets their depth of colour and durability.
The design of this rug centres on the cypress tree motif, one of the most ancient symbols in Iranian culture. The cypress has long represented strength, youth, freedom, and spiritual dignity. In Zoroastrian tradition it is associated with a sacred tree said to have been brought from heaven by Zarathustra. In Persian literature, particularly in the poetry of Hafez, the beloved is often compared to a cypress tree for its elegance, height, and graceful freedom.
This magnificent Bakhtiari carpet reflects that rich symbolic heritage while also displaying the refined taste and craftsmanship associated with carpets commissioned by powerful tribal patrons. With its grand scale, strong structure, and timeless design, it is a piece capable of transforming a large interior space while carrying with it the history and culture of the Zagros tribes.
Material: Wool pile on cotton foundation
Origin: Bakhtiari region, central Iran
Age: Early 20th century
Size: 406 × 305 cm
Item No.: 19926
The Bakhtiari tribes of central Iran, who traditionally lived along the eastern slopes of the Zagros Mountains, are among the oldest nomadic peoples of the region. Throughout Iranian history, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they played an important political and cultural role. Their powerful tribal leaders, known as khans, were influential figures who at times helped shape the political landscape of Iran.
During the period surrounding the Constitutional Revolution of the early 20th century, Bakhtiari leaders were especially prominent. Many of these khans were remarkably well educated and forward-thinking. Although they led nomadic communities, they often sent their sons to Europe—particularly to France—for education, which contributed to their intellectual and financial strength.
Their refined taste and cultural awareness also influenced the development of Bakhtiari carpets. While many Bakhtiari families wove rugs for their own tents and everyday use, a small group of highly skilled weavers was commissioned by powerful khans to produce exceptional carpets for their households. These so-called khan carpets were usually made in much larger sizes and with finer materials than ordinary nomadic rugs.
The carpet presented here is an impressive example of such work. Woven in an extra-large format, it combines the charm and authenticity of tribal weaving with the grandeur and presence of a city carpet. The wool used in these pieces was typically of excellent quality, and the dyes were prepared from natural sources, roots, plants, and minerals found in the surrounding mountains, giving the carpets their depth of colour and durability.
The design of this rug centres on the cypress tree motif, one of the most ancient symbols in Iranian culture. The cypress has long represented strength, youth, freedom, and spiritual dignity. In Zoroastrian tradition it is associated with a sacred tree said to have been brought from heaven by Zarathustra. In Persian literature, particularly in the poetry of Hafez, the beloved is often compared to a cypress tree for its elegance, height, and graceful freedom.
This magnificent Bakhtiari carpet reflects that rich symbolic heritage while also displaying the refined taste and craftsmanship associated with carpets commissioned by powerful tribal patrons. With its grand scale, strong structure, and timeless design, it is a piece capable of transforming a large interior space while carrying with it the history and culture of the Zagros tribes.
Material: Wool pile on cotton foundation
Origin: Bakhtiari region, central Iran
Age: Early 20th century
Size: 406 × 305 cm
Item No.: 19926