Vintage Persian Bakhtiari Carpet — 1940s | 5'9" x 9'1"

The Vata features a partially staggered center medallion, its slight asymmetry a result of more condensed weaving partway through the rug's creation—a mark of individual, tribal hand-weaving rather than a workshop template. Flanking the medallion are double tree-of-life motifs, oriented inward toward the field's center. This is one of the most enduring symbols in rug weaving; for more on its meaning and other recurring motifs, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The palette is exceptional in range and saturation, moving through navy blue, cobalt blue, ruby red, vivid sunflower yellow, sapphire blue, deep emerald green, oxidized silver, and teal—a vivid, gem-like color story with unique nuances specific to the individual weaver. This breadth of color is a hallmark of Bakhtiari weaving, explored further in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 5'9" x 9'1", the Vata suits living rooms, dining rooms, and other central gathering spaces where its color and pattern can anchor the room.

The Bakhtiari are a Persian tribal confederation historically based in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran, long recognized for garden and medallion-format carpets woven with a distinctive freedom of color and design. Unlike more standardized commercial production, Bakhtiari weavings often carry the individual imprint of the weaver—subtle irregularities in medallion placement, motif spacing, and knot density that reflect a rug woven by hand for tribal or village use rather than to a fixed export pattern.

Woven circa the 1940s, the Vata reflects this tradition at a mature stage, combining bold, saturated color with confident, symbolic drawing. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our Bakhtiari collection.

Vata means "wind" in Avestan, the ancient liturgical language of Zoroastrianism. Vata was a Yazata—a holy being—associated with the wind, also known as Vaiiu.

The name reflects the rug's sense of movement: the shifting density of its weave, the staggered medallion, and a palette that seems to change character as light crosses it, much like wind moving across a landscape.

Vata captures the Bakhtiari tradition at its most alive: expressive, unrepeating, and woven with the individual hand of its maker.

• Primary material: Natural wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Dye method: Traditional dyes with natural mordant-based variation
• Foundation: Traditional woven foundation
• Condition: Antique condition with visible wear and character

Areas of wear are present to pile and knot heads, consistent with age and use. Most original side cord selvages are intact or have been sympathetically restored. Sides and ends are fully secured.

Localized areas show recession in specific shades, likely a result of the mordants and dyestuffs used at the time of weaving. Some regions of the rug are slightly stiffer, and faint remnants of an old adhesive are visible on the reverse side.

One end of the rug measures 5'4", while the opposing end measures 5'9". This variation falls within normal margins for hand-knotted rugs of this type, age, and size.

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 support any stiffer regions of the weave.

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 Bakhtiari weavings like the Vata are unique in drawing, color, and wear pattern—no two are alike.

What makes Bakhtiari rugs distinctive?
They're known for vivid, saturated color palettes and individual weaver expression, including the tree-of-life motif featured here. See our motif guide for more.

Why do the two ends measure differently?
A 5" variation between ends (5'4" vs. 5'9") is normal for hand-knotted rugs of this age and size, and does not affect the rug's use or lay-flat quality.