3'7 x 5 Antique Persian Bakhtiari Rug | Allover Floral Design | Navy Orange and Ivory

This hand-knotted Persian Bakhtiari rug measures 3'7 x 5 and is approximately 60 years old, placing it firmly in the semi-antique category with the depth of color, soft patina, and confident bold drawing that only comes with age and quality natural dyes. The entire field is covered in a bold, dense allover floral and botanical composition set against a shifting ground of deep navy and rich burgundy, punctuated throughout by vivid burnt orange, warm ivory, teal, and salmon accents that give the rug an extraordinarily lively and colorful character. The wool pile remains full and intact throughout the field, and the rug retains all of its original vibrancy and structural integrity.

Design and Motifs

The field of this antique Bakhtiari rug is organized in a continuous allover composition without a central medallion, filling the entire surface from edge to edge with large, bold botanical and floral forms arranged in a dense interlocking pattern. Large stylized flower heads with layered petals alternate with scrolling vine forms, curved leaf sprays, and architectural arch-like floral structures, all rendered in the confident, slightly angular drawing style that is characteristic of Bakhtiari village weaving from this period. The motifs interlock and overlap without a rigid grid, creating a richly layered visual texture that rewards close examination. Between the major floral forms, small rosettes, hooked vine scrolls, and diamond accents fill the remaining ground. The wide main border carries a bold scrolling vine with large palmette blooms and curving leaf forms on a deep burgundy ground, framed by narrow ivory inner guard borders with small repeating floral chain motifs. The border system completes the composition with strong visual definition while continuing the warm, botanical vocabulary of the field.

Colors and Placement

The color palette of this antique Bakhtiari is one of its most striking qualities. The field ground alternates between areas of deep indigo navy and rich warm burgundy, creating a subtly shifting dark base that gives the composition great depth. Against this dark ground, the dominant accent color is a vivid burnt orange that appears throughout the floral motifs, vine forms, and architectural elements with striking intensity. Warm ivory appears as the primary highlight color in the largest floral forms and arched motifs, creating strong contrast against the dark ground and giving the composition its open, luminous focal points. Salmon pink and dusty rose appear throughout the smaller floral details, softening the overall palette and adding femininity. Teal blue, appearing in several prominent motifs, provides a cool counterpoint to the warm orange and red tones. Olive green and golden yellow appear in smaller accent details, adding warmth and variety. At 3'7 x 5 this rug is ideal as a bedroom accent, a living room layering piece, an entryway rug, or a study accent. Its rich dark palette and vivid contrasting colors work especially well against light wood floors, stone, or neutral wall colors.

Origin and Age

Bakhtiari rugs are produced in the Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province of central-western Iran by both settled village workshops and semi-nomadic tribal communities. This piece dates to approximately 60 years ago, placing it in the period of the 1960s when Bakhtiari village weaving was still using natural and early synthetic dye combinations, producing the characteristic warm, saturated palette visible throughout this rug. The original German import label on the back of this rug confirms its province of origin as Bakhtiari and its dimensions of 152 x 110 cm, verifying its authenticity and provenance. Rugs of this age and origin are increasingly difficult to find in good structural condition with full pile, making this piece a genuine collector opportunity for those who appreciate the bold, expressive character of mid-century Persian tribal weaving.