4.5 x 5 Antique Bidjar Rug, Harshang Design, Northwest Persia, Circa 1880
An exemplary antique Bidjar rug from northwest Persia’s Kurdistan province. The navy blue field is decorated with the classic Harshang design including various palmettes and flowerheads around a central panel with a Dragon and Phoenix design. The owner of this rug, and Helen and I, affectionately refer to this rug as the “cat” rug, as the motif in the center looks like a cat.
The range of colors in this Bidjar is outstanding, with navy blue, brick red, yellow, green, sky blue, deep camel, ivory and coral. It is finely woven and has a beautiful composition, accentuated by the rug being close to square, which gives it a distinctive appearance.
The two red panels toward the top of the field contain an inscription or date which I can not read but which is an uncommon feature. Bidjar rugs rarely have inscriptions or dates.
A world class example.
