Qashqai rugs: nomadic weaving of Fars

Who the Qashqai are

The Qashqai are a Turkic-speaking confederation of pastoral groups in Fars province, migrating between summer and winter pastures around Shiraz.

Designs

Stepped medallions, small animals, birds and boteh scattered across the field are common, with strong reds, blues and ivory.

Construction

Wool warps and wefts, often with dark wool wefts, asymmetric or symmetric knots and soft, glossy wool.

• Wool foundation
• Lustrous wool
• Small and medium sizes
• Varied, lively drawing

Qashqai, Kashkuli and gabbeh

'Kashkuli' is used for a finer Qashqai sub-group. Gabbeh are thicker, simpler rugs also made by Qashqai and Luri weavers.

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

Wool foundations can shrink unevenly if soaked. Use a specialist washer.

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.