This Bakhtiari rug features a beautifully layered, repeating central medallion. Look closely at the centre: the medallion builds in several tiers from small to large. The innermost tier picks up the colours of the floral motifs in the four corners, tying the heart of the rug to the outer field. The next band is a deep navy that echoes the corner spandrels, and the largest medallion and its pendants are rendered in a soft cream that repeats in the lighter lines scattered across the field. This lighter outer tier gives the design breathing room and adds a sense of calm balance to a richly patterned rug.

An older piece with real presence, it is woven in a traditional Bakhtiari nim-lul-baf construction, giving it a firm yet comfortable handle.

The combination of vegetable-dyed colours and a thoughtfully composed design makes it clear that this is an authentic, high-quality village weaving.

• Origin: Bakhtiari tribe, Persia
  
• Materials: Hand-knotted hand-spun wool pile on cotton foundation, vegetable-dyed
  
• Age: Mid 20th century
  
• Size: 9' 10" x 12' 9" (300 x 388 cm)