1880s Multicolor Tree of Life Tribal Shrub n.w Antique Bakshaiesh Rug Square Carpet

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19th Century N.W. "Bakshaiesh" Carpet ( 7'4" x 8' - 224 x 244 )

This example of 19th-century weaving showcases … Read more 19th Century N.W. "Bakshaiesh" Carpet ( 7'4" x 8' - 224 x 244 )

This example of 19th-century weaving showcases the robust, tribal aesthetic characteristic of rugs. The hand-knotted wool pile and natural dyes speak to a tradition of enduring quality and craftsmanship.

The open field is dominated by a warm, luminous ivory ground, providing a striking contrast to the dense, stylized motifs. The design features an all-over array of abstract Tree of Life elements rendered primarily in madder red, rust, and deep indigo. This masterful use of negative space and color saturation highlights the rug's impressive age and preservation.

While the overall composition is balanced and repeating, the individual elements display a charming spontaneity typical of village production. The highly stylized, almost abstract nature of the design firmly places this piece within the category of geometric rugs. This central design is framed by a commanding main border featuring stylized birds and floral rosettes set against a rich navy ground.

Dating to the 1870s, this piece represents a rare find in this format, offering substantial coverage suitable for room-size rugs applications. Its sophisticated color palette and deeply saturated natural dyes make it a foundational piece for any collection of fine antique rugs. See less