Vintage Qashqai sofreh kilim from Iran. 160x108 cms

Vintage Qashqai Sofreh Kilim – Minimalist Design with Intricate Border

This vintage Qashqai sofreh is a beautifully crafted, fine kilim featuring a minimalist design with a natural ivory field. The soft, subtle abrash—the natural color variations in the wool—adds character and depth to the piece, reflecting the traditional hand-knotted craftsmanship.

The border stands out with its intricate, small motifs and geometric precision, showcasing the skill of the weaver. The finely packed wool and clean design create a piece of refined elegance, where simplicity takes center stage.

There is a small repair in the border and some minor staining, but these do not detract from the overall beauty and quality of the piece. Perfect for those who appreciate understated design and expert craftsmanship.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool

Size: 160×108 cms

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1970s

Sofreh

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.

Qashqai

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 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.