Luri rugs: weaving of the Lur peoples of western Iran

The Lur

The Lur are a people of western and south-western Iran, mainly in Lorestan, with related groups in Fars, Khuzestan and Kohgiluyeh.

Construction

Luri rugs often have wool warps with dark wefts and a medium to long pile. Many are long and narrow. Goat-hair side cords are common.

• Wool warps, often dark wefts
• Thick, lustrous pile
• Long, narrow formats
• Goat-hair selvedges

Designs

Repeating lattices, stepped diamond medallions and small animal figures are typical. Colours tend to dark red, deep blue and brown.

Luri versus Bakhtiari

Bakhtiari village rugs often use garden-panel designs. Luri rugs are more often lattice or medallion designs, but the groups overlap and labels are uncertain.

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

Thick pile rugs hold dirt deep in the wool. Vacuum both sides gently and have them professionally washed every few years.

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.