A rare 19th century handwoven Persian Bidjar runner of exceptional beauty and historical significance, this piece carries an allover pattern of paisley variations — large, flowing boteh forms rendered in wonderful colors of pink, yellow, blue, and brown — set against an abrash navy blue and French blue background with pale yellow and red borders. Bidjar runners of this late 19th century vintage are among the most sought-after pieces in the tribal rug collecting world. Woven by Kurdish artisans in the Bidjar region of Northwest Persia using the legendary compressed-weave technique that earned these rugs their 'Iron Rugs of Persia' reputation, this runner has survived more than a century of use with the robustness its construction demands. The abrash — the natural tonal variations produced by hand-dyeing wool in small batches — gives the navy field a depth and movement that only genuine antique textiles achieve. An outstanding gallery or hallway piece. Dimensions: 2' 4" x 9' Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of the 1800s Place of Origin: NW Persia Material: Wool pile on a wool foundation with natural organic dyes Condition: Wear consistent with age and use SKU: 1856