Vintage Qashqai palas kilim from Iran. 200x158 cms

A vintage Qashqai palas kilim with a subtle colourful touch. It is woven entirely from undyed cream wool, giving it a clean and neutral look. The weaver added small coloured wool tufts (pom-poms) across the surface in a random pattern.

The side cords are wrapped in red wool, adding a simple decorative detail. As the weaver only had access to a narrow loom, the kilim was woven in two separate panels and later joined together to achieve the desired width.

This kilim works well in a neutral space that needs a bit of colour. Its soft tones and playful details also make it a good choice for a child’s bedroom.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool   

Size: 200×158 cms

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1970s

This kilim is a “palas”, a type of kilim woven to be used as a basis for domestic activities within the nomadic community (drying vegetables, making cheese, etc.). This vintage kilim was hand-woven by a nomadic or village woman, using her own wool spun and carded by hand.

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.