Bakhtiari rugs: garden panels from Chaharmahal

Location

Most rugs sold as Bakhtiari come from settled villages in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, west of Isfahan, such as Shahr-e Kord and Chaleshtar.

The garden design

The field is divided into square or diamond panels, each with a tree, flower or vase. This khesti (brick) design is the best-known Bakhtiari pattern.

Construction

Usually cotton foundations, symmetric knots and a single or double weft, with a thick, heavy handle.

Chaleshtar pieces

Rugs from Chaleshtar are often finer and more carefully drawn. The name is sometimes used for any good Bakhtiari.

Buying checklist

• Ask the seller what the regional name is based on: town, village group or design only
• Turn the rug over and look at knot type, warp colour and weft count
• Check ends, sides and pile height for wear or re-weaving
• Ask whether dyes have run or been chemically washed
• Get any claim about age, region or handmade origin in writing

Care

Heavy Bakhtiaris are durable. Use a non-slip underlay and rotate yearly.

A note on this guide

This is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. Regional names in the rug trade are market labels, and design alone is weak evidence of origin. This guide is not a valuation or authentication.