Bakshayesh

Origins: Bakshayesh carpets originate from the Bakshayesh region, situated near the town of Heriz in northwestern Iran. Known for its deep-rooted tradition in rug weaving, Bakshayesh has been a significant contributor to Persian carpet artistry for centuries. These carpets are highly regarded for their robust construction and unique designs.

Design: Bakshayesh carpets are renowned for their striking, bold designs. They typically feature large, central medallions surrounded by geometric patterns and intricate floral motifs. The designs often incorporate a vibrant color palette, including rich reds, deep blues, warm earth tones, and contrasting highlights like ivory and gold.

Construction: Crafted by hand, Bakshayesh carpets use high-quality wool, known for its durability and rich texture. The wool is carefully spun and dyed to enhance the carpet’s visual appeal and resilience. These carpets are hand-knotted using traditional Persian techniques, resulting in a sturdy and long-lasting pile.

Size and Shape: Bakshayesh carpets come in various sizes to suit different spaces, from small accent rugs to large area rugs. They are commonly available in rectangular and square shapes, though custom sizes and shapes can be created to meet specific design requirements.

Quality and Collectability: Bakshayesh carpets are prized for their exceptional quality and distinctive designs. They are highly valued by collectors and interior designers for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. Due to their robust construction and unique artistic elements, Bakshayesh carpets are considered valuable investments.

Cultural Significance: Bakshayesh carpets reflect a rich tradition of Persian weaving, representing the artistic and cultural heritage of the Bakshayesh region. They embody the craftsmanship and artistic expression that have been handed down through generations, showcasing the region’s historical and cultural depth.

Evolution: Over time, Bakshayesh carpets have evolved to incorporate both traditional and contemporary design elements. While maintaining their classic bold patterns and colors, modern Bakshayesh carpets often feature updated hues and reinterpretations of traditional motifs, appealing to a wide range of tastes and styles.

Antique Isfahan carpet that is best of type

History

Isfahan, the capital of the Persian empire during the Safavid rule was the most prominent weaving center. The Safavid rulers were great patrons of the arts, and they fostered an environment conducive to artistic expression. Shah Tahmasp I (1524–1576) and Shah Abbas I (1588–1629) were particularly renowned for their support of the arts, including rug weaving. There is less than 1500 examples of such carpets that are known to exist, Many have been acquired by famous musuems around the world.

The baron adolphe carl von rothschild ‘polonaise” carpet property of a german nobleman sold at christies

Together with a subtle palette of powder blue, indigo, sage-green, peach, and pale yellow the present carpet is woven with a heavily brocaded gold and silver field and a silver brocaded border. The hallmark shimmering silver and gold tones of ‘Polonaise’ carpets were achieved by wrapping extremely fine silver-gilt and silver thread diagonally around silk threads.

The Pommersfelden ‘polonaise’ carpet sold at chrisities

Second Revival

During the late 19th Century and early 20th century, a drastic revival in carpets occurred. The Persian nation prepared to produce their best-in-class carpets, and Isfahan was at the center of this transformation.

Mirza AGHA EMAMI

Out of all the famous names in the world of art in Isfahan, Mirza Agha Emami takes the crown of the modern age. Emami’s artistic genius does not receive enough credit, with many of his students such as Ahmed Archang regarded as the pinnacle of designers of the modern age. One must stop at the remarkable designs of his works such as the carpet to the left, this level of detail has yet to be rivaled in today’s work

Abdol rahim shureshi

Mr Abdul Rahim Shureshi, a rug weaving master is regarded as the reviver of rug weaving in isfahan, born in 1869, at a very young age he quickly was recognized by the shah of iran for his carpets, old antique Isfahan carpets of high caliber are often refered to as shureshi’s work, even if they are not a true shureshi piece due to extremely tight tolerances and very high standards set by him. His son Abbas was a skilled weaver and a master of traditional dyeing techniques who worked very closely with Haj agha reza seirafian

A Gorgeous isfahan carpet drawn by emami and woven in the shureshi workshop

hAJ aGHA REZA Seirafian

Haj Agha Reza seirafian began his career in rug weaving in 1939. Originally a banker , decided to produce a best of type carpet. he employed the most talented designers, skillful weavers and procured the best natural dyes and wool and silk of his time. Starting his career at a later age, his production was limited, making his carpets highly desirable among seasons collectors. Haji was survived by 7 sons who also work in carpet production. The most prominent of which is haji Mohammad seirafian

A beautiful 1930’s isfahan carpet attributed to artist mirza agha emami the workshop is unknown

Haj agha reza seirafian with his 7 sons

aHMED ARCHANG

The islimi legend of isfahan, Ahmed archang was a student of Haj Mirza Agha Emami, A revered artist Archange mastered the art of drawing eslimi’s (curvilinear drawing of carpets) he was commissioned heavily by several workshops to design Persian rugs, the most prominent of all is the seirafian workshop

hAJ MoHammad seirafian

Grand Master Mohammad Seirafian is the co-founder of the Seirafian Carpet with his father Haj Reza Seirafian. Haji is hands down the greatest producer of Persian carpets in the twentieth century. A philanthropist and a humanitarian at heart. In a tremendous act of generosity and without any support from anyone, he donated his greatest-ever masterpiece to the United Nations to bring the message of peace and unity to the rest of the world. This incredible masterpiece contains more than 1350 knots per square inch and was a decade in the making

it is our opinion that the true genius of Grand Master Seirafian has not fully gotten the attention it deserves he will most definitely go down in history as one of the greatest and most influential Persian of our time. Haji cared truly about his people and at times bought them houses to live in. his vision of peace and harmony between all mankind has yet to be fully understood. His masterpiece is displayed in the UN Headquarters in New York, a picture of this remarkable rug can be seen to your left.

For more information visit: www.un.org/ungifts/persian-carpet

A masterpiece by haj mohammad seirafian donated to the UN

hAJ sadiq seirafian

The Late Master Sadegh Seirafian (1922- 2005), one of the sons of Haj Agha Reza Seirafian became a carpet master producer after graduating from high school. He was also talented as a designer often creatively helping designers develop their sketches. Sadegh used his unique inscription, which added his full name in English to the inscription of the Serafian workshop. Having considerable interest and the same dreams as his father, he combined the dexterity of the skillful masters with his innovative thoughts and began to produce carpets. His works have attracted hundreds of enthusiasts, artists, and highly reputable collectors of high-quality hand-woven rugs and carpets.

Sadegh seirafian master piece