Antique Persian Bijar Carpet — 1920s | 7'5" x 11'7"

The Mazda's center medallion is drawn in a roundel contour, adorned with oversized palmettes rendered in an arrowed trefoil shape—a distinctive silhouette whose general relief loosely echoes a floral bat form, sitting atop an open, abrashed field. Corner spandrels and field overlays are worked in the classic Herati design, one of the most widespread and enduring motifs in Persian weaving. For more on the Herati pattern and other recurring symbols, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The main border combines a turtle samovar and boteh design, adding further layered detail around the field. The palette is soft and faded in the most collectible sense: dusty blush, dusty rose, pale faded cochineal red, ivory, beige, sand, silver, chocolate brown, and platinum. Explore more Bijar pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 7'5" x 11'7", the Mazda is a substantial room-size piece, ideal for living rooms and dining rooms where its faded, refined palette and dense medallion drawing can command a formal space.

Bijar rugs are woven by Kurdish weavers in and around the town of Bijar in northwestern Persia, renowned for a wet-finishing technique that compresses the weave into an exceptionally dense, durable foundation—among the sturdiest of any Persian weaving tradition. While bold color is common to the style, faded and softened palettes like this one are especially prized by collectors for the gentleness age has brought to the original dye work.

Woven circa the 1920s, the Mazda reflects this refined, softened side of Bijar weaving, layered with the widely used Herati motif. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our Bijar collection.

Mazda comes from Avestan mazdā, meaning "wisdom," the second half of Ahura Mazda—the supreme creator god of Zoroastrianism, associated with light, truth, and goodness.

The name reflects the rug's own quiet authority—a century-old weaving whose faded, luminous palette and dense medallion drawing carry a sense of enduring, wise presence in a room.

Mazda captures the Bijar tradition at its most refined: structured, softly colored, and woven with lasting gravity.

• Primary material: Natural wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted, densely woven
• Dye method: Traditional dyes with abrash
• Foundation: Traditional woven foundation, wet-finished for density
• Condition: Antique condition with even wear

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

Most original side cord selvages are intact or have been sympathetically restored. Sides and ends are fully secured.

Localized areas show minor repair and restoration, consistent with a century-old piece of this size and use.

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 antique Persian carpets.

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Antique Bijar weavings like the Mazda are unique in drawing, dye variation, and wear pattern.

What is the Herati motif?
One of the most widespread patterns in Persian weaving, typically featuring a small rosette framed by curling leaves, repeated across the field. See our motif guide for more.

Has this rug been repaired?
Yes, it has localized areas of minor, professional repair and restoration, consistent with a century-old piece. It is fully secured and ready for use.