BAKHTIARI RUG

also spelled Bakhtyari, handwoven pile floor covering made under Bakhtyari patronage in certain villages of the area southwest of Esfahan in central Iran. Bakhtiari rugs are Ghiordes-knotted on a foundation of cotton. The colouring and patterns of these rugs are bold. The field is usually divided into compartments that may be rectangular or produced by an ogival lattice. Occasionally there are tree or medallion decorative schemes. The palette is strong to the point of harshness, with much use of yellow.