Antique Qashqai kilim from Iran. 276x148 cms

Antique Qashqai Kilim with Striking Design and Natural Dyes

This antique Qashqai kilim features a superb design brought to life with richly saturated natural dyes, including deep indigo blue, emerald green, and mustard tones. The weaver created a lattice of diamond-shaped medallions, most left empty while a select few contain small motifs. The coloring of these diamonds follows no fixed pattern, instead arranged in a seemingly random way that nonetheless achieves a refined sense of balance and harmony. The overall impression of the field evokes the spirit of a Qashqai gabbeh.

The simplicity and spontaneity of the central field contrast beautifully with the intricate multiple borders. These borders are highly organized, symmetrical, and carefully executed, with the outer edge featuring the traditional laleh abassi design.

Finely woven with top-quality dyes and a gabbeh-like design, this kilim stands as a distinctive and valuable piece for any Qashqai collection.

Note: This piece shows some staining.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 276×148 cms

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1900s

Turkic-speaking pastoral nomadic tribal groups began entering central and southern Iran during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The Qashqai, as a large tribal unit, dates back at least to the early eighteenth century, when some Turkish(Turki)-speaking tribal groups in the region existed under the name Qashqai.

Qashqai kilims are best known for their boldness and freedom in the way the pattern is drawn. An aesthetically pleasing geometry, the fineness of their wool and their clear, strong colours combine to ensure their reputation as superlative examples.