Quchan Kurdish rugs: weaving of the Khorasan Kurds

Background

Kurdish groups were resettled in north-eastern Iran centuries ago. Around Quchan and Bojnurd they kept weaving traditions of their own.

Designs

Look for large stepped medallions, bold geometric lattices and strong colours such as red, yellow, blue and green.

Construction

Wool foundations, symmetric knots and long, glossy pile are common. Kilims and bags are also made.

Khorasan versus western Kurdish

Bijar and Senneh rugs are tightly woven and formal. Quchan pieces are looser, bolder and more pastoral in character.

Buying checklist

• Ask the seller what the regional name is based on: town, village group or design only
• Turn the rug over and look at knot type, warp colour and weft count
• Check ends, sides and pile height for wear or re-weaving
• Ask whether dyes have run or been chemically washed
• Get any claim about age, region or handmade origin in writing

Care

Long pile flattens under furniture. Use cups under legs and brush pile gently back up.

A note on this guide

This is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. Regional names in the rug trade are market labels, and design alone is weak evidence of origin. This guide is not a valuation or authentication.