How to buy Gabbeh

• Most architectural craft is seen in place; portable panels and tiles are the exception.
• Look for hand-cut edges and variation.
• Check tiles for chips and old mortar.

Typical materials: wool, natural-dyes.

• Tiles claimed to come from historic buildings (removal may be illegal).
• Printed tiles sold as hand-cut mosaic.

A genuine Gabbeh piece should come with a named place of making in Iran (often shiraz, sistan-baluchestan) and a clear statement that it is handmade.

• Where does this piece come from?
• Is it newly made or salvaged?
• Can it legally be exported?

• Dust gently; avoid acidic cleaners on glaze and plaster.
• Mount securely on a solid wall.

• Store flat and padded.

Heavy and fragile — use crates and insurance.

• Qashqai Gabbeh Rug · Illustrative example · not for sale here
• Handmade Overdyed Wool Gabbeh Rug: Light Mint Green Plush Area Rug (6'5x9'2) · Illustrative example · not for sale here

This guide is educational. It cannot confirm that any particular object is genuine, old or valuable. For important purchases, ask an independent specialist. Read the full Gabbeh entry.