How do I care for a tribal rug?

Vacuum gently without using a rotating brush roll to prevent snagging the wool pile. Professional cleaning should be undertaken periodically by specialists familiar with natural dyes. Keep the textile out of direct sunlight to prevent colour fading over time. Using a suitable underlay prevents slipping and cushions the foundation fibres against hard flooring.

Where were these rugs made?

These pieces originate from the southwest region of Persia, produced by nomadic and village tribes such as the Qashqai and Khamseh confederacies. Weavers worked on portable or village looms using locally sourced materials. The Shiraz region acted as the primary trading hub where these tribal textiles were collected and marketed. Consequently, pieces from this area share stylistic traits rooted in Persian nomadic life.

What do the bird motifs mean?

Stylized birds, such as the peacocks found on specific tribal examples, represent traditional motifs rooted in Persian folklore and tribal symbolism. These figures are integrated into the geometric field alongside medallions and plant forms. Weavers incorporated these elements freely from memory, meaning no two arrangements of pictorial motifs are identical. They contribute to the narrative quality that distinguishes tribal weaving from court carpets.

How do I date an old rug?

Dating relies on examining structural characteristics, material wear, and the chemical composition of the dyes used in the wool. Pieces attributed to the nineteenth century typically exhibit softer wool patination and specific palette variations compared to later 1930s productions. Stylistic shifts also provide clues, as twentieth-century pieces often display standardised geometric repetitions. Comparing the knot count and edge finishes helps narrow the production era alongside documented period examples.

Home > Shiraz Qashqai Rug > Page 2

Shiraz Qashqai Rug

37 items · page 2 of 3

← Page 2 of 3 →

Shiraz qashqai rugs are hand-woven tribal textiles originating from southwest Persia, sought after for their rich designs and authentic village character.