Antique Persian Bakhtiari Rug

This handsome antique Persian Bakhtiari rug, woven around 1890, is a richly colored and highly decorative example of late 19th-century tribal weaving. It features an elegant allover lattice design filled with alternating floral medallions, rosettes, and stylized blossoms arranged across a deep midnight-blue field. The repeating motifs are woven in warm shades of madder red, rust, golden yellow, soft green, ivory, and muted blue, creating a lively but well-balanced composition. The field is framed by a broad blue floral border with angular vines and flowering forms, along with several smaller guard borders that give the rug a strong architectural presence. The drawing is bold and expressive, with the slightly irregular character that gives early Bakhtiari rugs their charm and individuality. The wool has a sturdy, substantial handle, while the rich natural colors have developed an attractive antique patina over more than a century. The rug remains in good condition for its age, showing normal wear consistent with an authentic late 19th-century weaving. The design remains clear, the colors are strong, and the overall structure appears sound, making it suitable for both collecting and decorative use. This is a very appealing antique Bakhtiari with excellent color, a desirable allover floral design, and an unusually balanced composition.