Vintage Qashqai sofreh kilim from Iran. 177x112 cms

Intriguing Vintage Qashqai Sofreh with Floating Motifs

This fascinating vintage sofreh—a traditional kilim used for making bread or serving food—was woven by a Qashqai nomadic weaver around the 1970s. Its rare composition and artistic design make it a truly captivating piece.

The central field features a dramatic abrash—beautiful variations in red tones that create a sense of movement and depth. Two lozenge-shaped motifs appear to float above the field, almost like reflections on water. In contrast, the border is more structured and formal, grounding the composition.

Could the weaver have been inspired by a sunset over water, with the sun reflected on the surface? Whatever the intention, the result is a striking and poetic kilim full of mystery and charm.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool   

Size: 177×112 cms

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1980s

 

Sofrehs take their name from the Farsi (Persian) word for cloth and are used for several functions connected with preparing and eating food. Eating cloths are normally referred to simply as sofrehs and vary enormously in size-from small, rectangular mats for personal use to extremelly long, narrow runners for communal eating. They are woven in several standard techniques, including alternating bands of kilim and pile rug, and produced by a number of nomadic and tribal weavers in Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and to a lesser degree, elsewhere.