Vintage Persian Bakhtiari Carpet — 1950s | 6'10" x 10'1"

The Saam covers its field in a lattice of diamond-shaped panels, each enclosing an interior cypress tree, germinating plant, or floral top-view design in a minor medallion arrangement—a hallmark of Bakhtiari garden-style compositions. Each corner is marked by a pomegranate-style top-view floral element, a motif long associated with abundance and fertility in Persian weaving. For more on symbols like these, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The main border is worked in a serrated vine design with palmettes threaded throughout, framing the field with rhythm and movement. The palette is soft and layered: antique ivory, dusty blush rose, pomegranate red, cherry red, dusty powder blue, and dusty denim blue combine for a garden-inspired color story. Explore more Bakhtiari pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 6'10" x 10'1", the Saam works beautifully in living rooms, dining rooms, and other central spaces where its lattice pattern and softened palette can be appreciated at scale.

Bakhtiari weavers, based in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran, are especially known for garden-format carpets—rugs divided into compartments or lattice panels that each contain a distinct botanical or symbolic motif, evoking the layout of a Persian garden. Cypress trees, germinating plants, and pomegranate motifs are recurring elements in this tradition, each carrying associations with life, renewal, and abundance.

Woven circa the 1950s, the Saam reflects this compartmentalized garden style at a refined scale, paired with a softened, livable color palette. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our Bakhtiari collection.

Saam means "fire" in Persian, from an earlier Iranian root meaning "black." Saam is the name of a hero in the 10th-century Persian epic the Shahnameh.

The name reflects the rug's warmth beneath its softened palette—the pomegranate red and cherry red accents glowing quietly against ivory and dusty blue, like embers within a garden.

Saam captures the Bakhtiari tradition at its most storied: structured, symbolic, and woven with a sense of narrative depth.

• Primary material: Natural wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Dye method: Traditional dyes
• Foundation: Traditional woven foundation
• Condition: Vintage condition with mostly even wear

Mostly even wear is present across the surface to knot heads, with faint foundation showing through consistent with age.

Sides are secure and ends are fully secured. Sides have been machine bound.

Recently professionally cleaned and ready for immediate in-home use.

Vacuum gently using suction only. Avoid rotating brushes or beater bars.

Use a quality rug pad to reduce movement and provide support.

Rotate periodically to encourage even wear. For deep cleaning, consult a professional experienced with vintage Persian carpets.

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Vintage Bakhtiari weavings like the Saam are unique in drawing, dye variation, and wear pattern.

What is the lattice and diamond-panel design?
It's a hallmark of Bakhtiari "garden" carpets, where the field is divided into compartments, each holding its own botanical or symbolic motif. See our motif guide for more.

Is it ready for use?
Yes. It has been professionally cleaned and inspected prior to offering.