Bakhshaish is a small mud-walled village in Northwest
Persia. Here, the villagers weave the little-known Bakhshaish
carpets or rugs. These rugs used to sell originally under
the name Heriz carpets.
Earlier, when certain Armenian patrons supported the weavers
of Bakhshaish, the quality of these rugs was among the best
in Persia. However, with the recurring famines, the weavers
spent the allowances in buying food rather than wool. Even
then, the quality remained high, but gradually, it saw a
drop. Their classification was now under the coarser grade
called Hamadan.
The weavers weave the designs as per their fanciful ideas.
This is the reason why a Bakhshaish rug is full of colorful
motifs and designs, and often not symmetrical. Improvisation
by the weavers plays a major part in the design of Bakhshaish
rugs.
They use the Herati
pattern of design, with a central medallion. The colors
are bright such as red and navy blue with a light background
color. The designs are geometric and bold, as well as abstract.
People find the Bakhshaish carpets appealing because of their
rich wool and transparent colors. The border often has a tortoise
Herati design.
The Bakhshaish rugs have tight knots that give added durability.
While the pile is usually made of wool, the foundation of
these rugs can be either wool or cotton. Bakhshaish rugs have
distinct village patterns that many people admire as a sign
of creativity.
