BAKSHIS.âA close relationship exists between the Gorevans, which are a comparatively modern product, and several other less known sub-classes of earlier origin that are woven in small towns in the east central part of the province of Azerbijan. One of these towns, located fifty miles to the southeast of Tabriz, is Bakshis, which formerly produced rugs that were highly esteemed by the Persians, before the weavers were corrupted by a spirit of commercialism. Those which are exported to-day are of little artistic value, are poorly coloured, and carelessly woven. The patterns are inferior copies of other well-known classes.
SERAPIS.âThe rugs known as Serapis are named after the village of Sirab in the mountainous district between Tabriz and Ardebil; but they are made not only there, but also in the country farther to the east. The large sizes are frequently mistaken for Gorevans, as they are of similar shape and have similar finish of sides and ends, yet as a rule they are better woven. Many of them follow the same patterns of concentric medallions, but the lines of others are more artistically drawn. Although the borders lack the gracefully symmetric vines of old Iranian pieces, the drawing is interesting in its individuality and is in harmony with that of the field. All the colours are cheerful. A field of ivory or some light shade of buff usually surrounds the central medallions, on which appear soft and pleasing tones of smaller designs. Yet on the whole there is a tendency to employ richer and deeper tones than those of Gorevans. The smaller pieces often contain more elaborate patterns, but there are always the same pleasing and unobtrusive shades of colour.
_Type Characteristics._ _Colours_, principally red, blue, and ivory, with minor quantities of green and yellow. _Knot_, generally Sehna, frequently Ghiordes. Knots to inch horizontally six to ten; perpendicularly, seven to twelve. The rows of knots are firmly pressed down, so that the warp does not show at back. _Warp_, cotton; one of the two threads encircled by a knot is generally much depressed below the other at back, and frequently doubled under the other. _Weft_, cotton, of coarse diameter. A thread of weft crosses twice between every two rows of knots. _Pile_, wool of medium length. _Border_, three stripes. _Sides_, a double selvage of two cords, or double overcasting attached figure-eight fashion to the sides. The selvage or overcasting is usually in red or buff. _Lower end_, a narrow web and warp loops or short warp fringe. _Upper end_, a narrow web and warp fringe. _Texture_, stout. _Weave_ at back is of coarse grain. _Usual length_, ten to eighteen feet. _Usual width_, two thirds to three quarters length.