This stunning Bijar Iron rug—woven in the rugged Kurdish region of Iran—is known for its unmatched durability and its famously dense “Iron Rug” construction. Measuring 9'9 x 13'2, it showcases a grand geometric medallion surrounded by intricate Herati and floral latticework, all framed by a dramatic and richly ornamented border. Bijar pieces of this caliber were traditionally woven on heavy wooden looms with extraordinary compression, giving them their legendary weight, firmness, and longevity.

History of Bijar Rugs

Bijar rugs originate from the Kurdistan province of Iran and are often referred to as the “Iron Rugs of Persia” because of their extremely tight knotting, wet-packing technique, and firm foundation. The Kurdish weavers of Bijar are known for producing rugs that last generations. This weaving tradition dates back several centuries and is considered one of the most respected schools of Persian rug artistry.

Design & Motifs

This rug features the classic Bijar medallion-within-medallion design:

• A central elongated octagonal medallion sits in the field, filled with a lattice of miniature rosettes, leafy tendrils, and tiny geometric petals.

• The inner medallion shifts from dark navy to brick red, while the outer band transitions beautifully into cream and ivory—creating a striking focal point.

• The field surrounding the medallion is filled with countless Herati motifs, each composed of a flower and four accompanying leaves arranged in diagonal symmetry.

• The outer corners of the field form a large diamond-shaped framing device, a signature Bijar layout.

Patterns

This rug is filled with tight, repeating patterns including:

• Herati repeat across the entire field

• Rosette clusters

• Lattice filigree with micro-floral details

• Hooked leaves and palmettes

• Border featuring large stylized flowers, boteh forms, and branching foliage

These patterns are precise, symmetrical, and engineered by the weaver to create visual rhythm across a very large size.

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Hand-knotted using the traditional Bijar wet-warp technique

• Dense Persian knots with heavy packing to achieve the iconic firmness

• Soft, durable wool pile with natural vegetable dyes

• Cotton foundation with strong selvages and full fringes

This construction is one reason Bijars are known to lie perfectly flat, resist wear, and hold their shape over decades.

Color Palette (and where each color appears)

This piece has an extraordinary amount of color detail:

• Brick Red – The dominant tone across the main field and corners.

• Dark Navy – Appears in the center of the medallion, outlining motifs, and inside border ornaments.

• Cream & Ivory – Prominent in the medallion’s outer band and in the delicate floral outlines.

• Olive Green – Used throughout the medallion and border leaves.

• Gold – Accents many floral heads and border palmettes.

• Light Blue – Highlights petals throughout the medallion and inner field.

• Rose & Pink Shades – Integrated into rosettes and Herati blossoms.

• Black Accents – Used sparingly to sharpen outlines and add depth.

The interplay of brick red and navy gives the rug its powerful Bijar identity, while the cream medallion brings a bright, architectural center.