Semi-Antique Hand Knotted Persian Bidjar Room Size Rug 9'10" x 7'1" with Classical Central Medallion Design

Persian Bidjar – 9'10" x 7'1"

In stock

Hand Knotted in the Persian city of Bidjar
Rigid Heavy-Foundation Kurdish Weave
Size: 9’10” x 7’1″ (298 x 215 cm)
Age: Semi-Antique
Pile: 100% Lustrous Mountain Wool
Foundation: Thick Plied Cotton Foundation cords

An authentic, hand-knotted semi-antique Persian Bidjar carpet presenting rich vegetable dye maturation and exceptional structural heft. Tailored for in-store purchase at our Montreal boutique, this beautiful room size rug showcases a classical central medallion design filled with delicate geometric accents.

SKU: 5317 Categories: 7' x 10' ft (200 x 300 cm), Bidjar, City, Majestic Persian Rugs, Medium Sized Room, Persian Tags: 5317, bidjar, iran, kurdish-weave, Medallion Design, medium-sized-rug, persian, Semi-antique rug

Description

Embodying the artistic depth and physical excellence of mid-century weavers, this authentic semi-antique Persian Bidjar rug makes a powerful statement. We welcome you to visit our Montreal showroom to fully experience this exceptional carpet under professional lighting and feel its signature density.

Specifications at a Glance:

Origin: Authentic Persian (City of Bidjar)
Weave Grade: Traditional Heavy-Foundation Kurdish Weave
Dimensions: 9’10” x 7’1″ (298 x 215 cm)
Design: Classical Central Medallion Layout
Materials: 100% Hand-Spun Wool Pile on a Reinforced Cotton Core

Matured Vegetable Dyes and Historical Value

As a genuine semi-antique floor covering, its natural pigments have mellowed over several decades into deep crimson fields and midnight indigos, achieving an organic patina that new production cannot copy.
The double-weft foundation is incredibly solid, ensuring this Persian Bidjar carpet remains flat and perfectly anchored under large coffee tables or sofa groupings without rolling up.

Craftsmanship and Structural Performance

High-Altitude Wool: Woven exclusively from elite highland wool clipped from mountain herds, providing a thick, protective lanolin coating that actively counters staining.
In-Store Quality: Because fine Persian rugs are tactile pieces, an in-store trial allows you to experience the structural weight that earned them the title “Iron Rugs of Persia.”

Care and Styling Notes for Your Hand Knotted Persian Bidjar Rug

Vacuuming: First, clean the surface regularly without using a rotating brush attachment. However, the vacuum brush can be used occasionally on the pile, but not regularly. Crucially, never use any brushes on the delicate side fringes.
Basic Spills: Secondly, blot sudden liquid messes immediately using clean white paper towels. Always press the paper towels down gently. This specific action pulls the liquid upward rather than forcing it down. Crucially, avoid aggressive rubbing. Rubbing pushes the liquid into the foundation instead of removing it.
Wine Stains: For wine accidents, apply fresh club soda straight to the spot. Afterward, press clean paper towels down softly to absorb the liquid mixture. Remember to avoid rubbing so you do not push the wine deep into the wool fibers.
Deep Cleaning: Finally, employ certified professional rug specialists for major maintenance needs over time.

The Iron Rugs of Persia: A Comprehensive Guide to Bidjar Carpets

Hailing from the rugged, mountainous town of Bidjar (Bijar) in northwestern Iran, bidjar rugs occupy a legendary status in the world of fine oriental textiles. Woven primarily by Kurdish artisans, these carpets have earned an enduring nickname due to their unparalleled durability and unique construction methods.

Whether you are an interior designer, a textile collector, or a homeowner looking for a statement piece, understanding the history and craftsmanship behind bidjar carpets is essential.

Historical Context and Origins

Bidjar is a bustling market town located in the Kurdistan province of Iran. For centuries, it has served as a central hub where local Kurdish weavers, as well as nearby Afshar nomads, brought their textiles to be traded.

Unlike many other regional rugs that are strictly categorized as either “tribal” or “city” weaves, bidjar rugs represent a brilliant intersection of both worlds:

The Tribal Influence: The weavers draw from deep-rooted Kurdish traditions, utilizing robust local materials and geometric motifs.
The City Refinement: Because Bidjar established formal workshops, the designs evolved to feature highly sophisticated, intricate layouts that rival the grand workshops of Isfahan or Tabriz.

The Secret to Their Indestructibility

What truly sets a Bidjar apart from any other Persian rug is its extraordinary structural integrity. In fact, they are widely celebrated across the globe as the “Iron Rugs of Persia.” If you attempt to fold genuine bidjar carpets, you will find it nearly impossible; they must be rolled for transport.

This rigidity is the result of a specialized, highly demanding weaving technique:

Wet Weft Insertion: Weavers introduce thick weft threads (the horizontal structural strings) that have been soaked in water.
Forceful Packing: While the weft is still wet, the weaver uses a heavy iron or wooden comb to forcefully beat the rows of knots down.
The Drying Process: As the wet wefts dry, they shrink and compact into an incredibly dense, rigid matrix. This tightly locks the wool pile into place, preventing dirt, dust, and grit from penetrating the foundation.

Historically, this heavy-duty construction was a practical necessity, designed to withstand the harsh, muddy winters of the Iranian highlands and the heavy foot traffic of large family estates.

Iconic Design Motifs

While bidjar rugs come in a vast array of sizes and room configurations, their design language is anchored by several classical patterns:

The Herati (Mahi) Pattern

Perhaps the most famous motif associated with Bidjar is the Herati (often called the Mahi or “fish” design). This intricate, repeating pattern features a stylized rosette surrounded by four serrated leaves that resemble swimming fish. It creates a mesmerizing, continuous field of detail across the body of many bidjar carpets.

Garden and Willow Designs

Many historical pieces depict stylized trees of life, weeping willows, and repeating floral panels that pay homage to traditional Persian gardens.

Geometric and Anchor Layouts

While curvilinear scrollwork is common in workshop pieces, many village-woven bidjar rugs lean heavily into bold, angular, and geometric expressions. Strong, prominent anchor-like extensions often stretch from the borders into the field, giving the carpets a commanding, masculine energy.

Material, Longevity, and Investment Value

The resilience of bidjar carpets is heavily reliant on the quality of their raw materials. The weavers traditionally source wool from high-altitude sheep native to the cold, mountainous region.

Natural Stain Resistance: This specific wool is exceptionally thick, resilient, and packed with natural lanolin.
Lustrous Finish: The high lanolin content gives the rug a subtle, lustrous sheen and acts as a natural barrier against spills.

Because of this bulletproof combination of high-altitude wool and a compacted foundation, purchasing antique or semi-antique bidjar rugs is considered a sound investment. They easily become heirloom pieces, capable of lasting for generations while beautifully preserving their structural profile and vibrant artistic legacy.