4.8 x 6.9 Antique Persian Heriz “Serapi” Rug With Bakshaish Design, Circa 1900

The basic format of this rug is well known in rugs from the Heriz district in northwest Persia’s Azerbaijan province, particularly rugs fro the village of Bakshaish. However, this rug is quite finely and densely woven, usually not hallmarks of Bakshaish weavings, which tend to be pliable and a bit shaggy in appearance. Bakshaish rugs also tend to have more open space between motifs and a generally softer palette.

This rug was probably woven in Heriz itself, rather than in Bakshaish, utilizing a Bakshaish style medallion format. It is of the age where many Heriz weavings are colloquially referred to as antique “Serapi” rugs.

A distinctive rug showing the range of what Persian weavers could produce if they put their attention and skill toward it.