Beneshti

Beneshti (also spelled Benishti) is a rarely used term referring to a specific type of Persian rug design or weaving style. Information on Beneshti rugs is scant and not widely available in established rug literature, leading to some ambiguity about its precise definition.

While details are scarce, "Beneshti" is generally associated with rugs originating from, or inspired by, designs from the region of Bijar in Iranian Kurdistan. Bijar rugs are known for their exceptional durability and dense, tightly packed weave, often using a double weft system. This creates a very thick and heavy rug, highly resistant to wear and tear. Common motifs in Bijar rugs include geometric patterns, Herati (fish) patterns, and medallion designs.

The term "Beneshti" might be applied to Bijar-style rugs produced outside of Bijar itself, or possibly to a particular sub-category of Bijar rugs characterized by specific design elements or a distinctive color palette. However, this remains largely speculative due to the limited documentation. The term may also be found in older auction catalogues or rug dealer inventories, where it may or may not accurately reflect the origin or construction of the rug.

Given the lack of definitive information, when encountering the term "Beneshti," further investigation into the rug's construction, origin, and design is recommended to verify its characteristics and relationship to the broader category of Bijar rugs.