Yalameh rugs: Qashqai-related weaving near Isfahan and Fars

Where they come from

Yalameh rugs are woven in villages south of Isfahan, around Shahreza and towards Abadeh, by settled groups with links to the Qashqai.

Designs

Look for stepped, hooked diamond medallions in rows, often in red, blue and ivory, with Qashqai-style borders.

Construction

They usually have a wool foundation, symmetric knots and a medium pile with soft, lustrous wool.

Yalameh versus Abadeh

Abadeh rugs often have a central diamond with a smaller design and cotton warps. Yalameh rugs tend to repeat medallions and use wool warps, though there are exceptions.

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

Soft wool sheds a little when new. Vacuum lightly and avoid heavy brushing.

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.