Antique Persian Kurdish Bijar Rug — 1920s | 4'6" x 6'1"

The Zin is anchored by an oversized roundel center medallion, surrounded by end-field overlays of boteh, vine, and palmette motifs that loosely reciprocate the medallion's rounded contour. To learn more about the boteh and other recurring symbols, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The main border combines a boteh and samovar design with a partial Herati nod, layering several classical Persian border vocabularies into one cohesive frame. The palette is rich and varied: navy blue, ivory, sapphire blue, mallard green, blush, dusty rose, and burgundy wine red come together across the medallion and field. For more on Bijar and other collector-favorite styles, see our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 4'6" x 6'1", the Zin suits entryways, bedrooms, and layered floor moments where its density and color can be appreciated up close.

Bijar rugs are woven by Kurdish weavers in and around the town of Bijar in northwestern Persia, and are renowned throughout the trade as some of the sturdiest and most densely constructed rugs in the world—often called the "iron rugs of Persia" for their weight and durability. This exceptional density comes from a distinctive wet-finishing technique during weaving that compresses the weft, resulting in a rug that is remarkably heavy, stiff when new, and built to last for generations.

Woven circa the 1920s, the Zin reflects the classic Bijar combination of bold medallion drawing and rich, saturated color, wrapped in a structurally exceptional foundation. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our Bijar collection.

Zin means "life" in Kurdish. Zin is the heroine of the 17th-century Kurdish romance Mem û Zîn, one of the most celebrated works of Kurdish literature.

The name reflects both the rug's Kurdish weaving heritage and its remarkable durability—a piece woven a century ago that remains structurally sound and vividly colored today, carrying its life forward into a new home.

Zin captures the Bijar tradition at its most enduring: dense, resilient, and woven to outlast generations.

• Primary material: Natural wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted, densely woven
• Dye method: Traditional dyes
• 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.

The rug has a slight contour to its shape with minor bowing, within normal margin for a piece of this type and age.

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 Zin are unique in drawing, dye variation, and wear pattern.

What makes Bijar rugs distinctive?
They're known for exceptional density and durability, often called the "iron rugs of Persia," alongside bold medallion drawing. See our motif guide for more on the boteh and other symbols used here.

Why does the rug have a slight contour or bowing?
Minor bowing is normal for hand-knotted rugs of this age and density, and does not affect the rug's use or lay-flat quality.