Antique Bakshaish carpets are eagerly sought after by collectors and designers for the rugged expressiveness of their patterning, the graphic power of their drawing, and the quality and harmony of their coloration. This example certainly shows why. The design is ultimately classical Persian, with its array of vines, arabesques, and grand palmettes. But the drawing has a strong tribal feel. It is spontaneous and animated, almost wild, equaling or surpassing the various Oushak and Sultanabad carpets that treat this design with the same sort of expressive freedom. The border, with its vinescroll compressed like a coiled spring is virtually unique. But the trump card here is the palette - the savvy, complementary arrangement of terracotta, apricot, pale green, blue, and ivory - which is as lovely and harmonious as it could possibly be.