Axminster

• Type: Transportation, Magical Carpet
• Owners: An “old Axminster” was in the possession of Ali Bashir in 1994, who was attempting to import it into Britain.
• Maker: Unknown, but the name strongly implies a connection to the Muggle town of Axminster, famous for its high-quality carpets.

While no detailed physical description of a wizarding Axminster is provided in the novels, it is established as a type of flying carpet. The reference to it being an “old Axminster” suggests it is an antique and likely valuable. Based on its real-world namesake, an Axminster carpet would be a high-quality, woven-pile carpet, possibly featuring intricate patterns and rich colours.

The primary magical property of an Axminster is its ability to fly, serving as a popular mode of wizarding transportation in many parts of the world. However, their use is strictly forbidden in Britain by the Ministry of Magic. According to the Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects, a carpet is defined as a Muggle artefact. Therefore, enchanting one to fly is a direct breach of the guidelines in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office. The Ministry of Magic has classified flying carpets as a Class C Non-Tradeable Substance, making their import illegal. This ban is a point of contention with wizards from other countries where carpets are a perfectly legal and common form of travel.

The specific history of Axminster carpets within the wizarding world is not detailed. However, by 1994, a strict ban on their importation into Britain was in full effect, having been enforced by Bartemius Crouch Sr. during his time as Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. Around the time of the Quidditch World Cup, Arthur Weasley was involved in a dispute with a wizard named Ali Bashir. Bashir was attempting to export a consignment of flying carpets to Britain, including a prized old Axminster. Mr. Weasley was tasked with explaining the British law to him and preventing the illegal import, much to Bashir's frustration.

The Axminster carpet is mentioned in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and serves several narrative purposes:

• It provides world-building detail, illustrating how magical laws and customs differ significantly from one country to another.
• It characterizes Bartemius Crouch Sr. as an inflexible and stringent rule-follower.
• It highlights the nature of Arthur Weasley's work in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, showing the diplomatic and bureaucratic challenges he faces.
• The entire debate over flying carpets serves as a key example of the often-frustrating and convoluted legal system within the Ministry of Magic.

• The name “Axminster” is taken directly from the market town of Axminster in Devon, England. The town is historically famous for producing high-quality, hand-knotted carpets since the mid-18th century. J.K. Rowling's use of the name suggests that in the wizarding world, “Axminster” is a brand or type of carpet known for its superior quality, similar to its Muggle reputation.
• The concept of a flying carpet is a well-known magical object in folklore and literature, most famously featured in the stories of One Thousand and One Nights. The British Ministry's ban on them is a unique twist on this classic magical item.