Shiraz Rugs

Persian Shiraz Rugs & Carpets

Background / History
Shiraz has been a city for as long as Iran was. The city goes back at least to Neolithic times. Shiraz was the capital of Zand Persia and was a center of Art and Culture.  In the modern era Shiraz is the dominant market city of Southwest Iran.

Shiraz Rugs are an easily recognisable group in the marketplace but the rugs come from a mixed origin. As a group they draw on the traditions of the weavers. There are Qashqai, groups formerly in the Khamseh Confederation, Afshar, Lori, Bahktiari, and even Baluch as well as persian Vilagers. As families settled and underwent Persianification particularly under the White Revolution the rugs changed. Sure we can at times see the origins of rugs but even if we know that a rug derives from Qahqai for instance a Shiraz rug will still be enough different to be a seperate type. One of the key differences is that while there has long been a commercial aspect to Qashqai rugs their Shiraz derivatives are made to sell and not to use.

Examples:

Older Shiraz Carpet
Older Shiraz Carpet


Large, very thick, heavy Shiraz Area Carpet. These carpets are the product of skilled village weavers.

This rug is very heavy and it is rectangular. The picture is a little off because the picture was taken at an angle.

Shiraz Rug Shiraz. Iran, Early 20th century. 9 foot by 4 foot 11 inch.

Structure: Symmetrical knot. 7 knots per horizontal inch and 5 knots per vertical inch. 64 per square inch (992 per square decimeter) Flat back.

Yarn Spin: Z.

Warp: 2 ply hand spun wool, white, gray, brown and barber poled.

Weft: 2 ply Wool 2 shots. gray.

Pile: 2 Wool singles.

Ends: warp fringe.

Selvages: Red and blue Shirazi wrap over 8 warp units selvage has a few small cuts but is structurally sound.

Further Notes: Supple but substantial handle handle, very substantial rug New condition. No holes, tears, rips or low spots.

 


Older Persian Shiraz Rug

Older Persian Shiraz Rug

Size: 3 foot 8 inch by 5 foot 5 inch.This is a Shiraz village rug. When the tribes especially the Qashqai and Khamseh settled into villages they made these rugs The wool is fantastic and the color is excellent.

This is piece dates to mid twentieth century. All the dyes look good. It is a handmade pile weaving from Iran. It is handmade and in Excellent condition.

closeup

Size: 3 foot 8 inch by 5 foot 5 inch.
Structure: Asymmetrical knot open to the left. 7 knots per horizontal inch and 7 knots per vertical inch. 49 per square inch (759.5 per square decimeter).

Color: Raspberry, midnight blue, royal blue, ivory, yachting blue, burgundy, tangerine, gold.

Yarn Spin: Z.

Warp: 2 ply brown wool.

Weft: 2 shots raspberry wool.

Pile: 2 wool singles.

Ends: .5 inch plain weave and overhand knots with 1 inch warp fringe.

Selvages: 8 cord overcastting yachting blue, raspberry wool.

Handle: Medium-heavy, durable, soft.

Further Notes: Excellent condition, wear to selvage and ends.


Shiraz Rugs: Southwest Persian Rug
Shiraz Rugs: Southwest Persian Rug
Southwest Persian Rug, late 19th/early 20th century


Shiraz Rug, Early to Mid 20th Century
A PERSIAN SHIRAZ CARPET
Persian Shiraz Carpet

Size: 289cm x 120cm

Description: Dark blue field with shaped red surround and three linked hooked pole medallions, inhabited by birds and other animals, floral border.


Abolvardi Rug, Fars Province, Southwest Persia
Abolvardi Rug Fars Province, south west Persia
Origin: Fars Province, Southwest Persia, second half 20th century

SIze: 5ft.3in. x 3ft.10in. (1.60m. x 1.17m.)

The town of Abolvardi is just north of Shiraz.


Abolvardi Rug, Mid 20th Century
Abolvardi Rug, Mid 20th C.
Origin: Fars Province, Southwest Persia, about mid 20th century

Size: 5ft.11in. x 4ft.5in. (1.80m. x 1.35m.)


Qashqai Rugs: Qashqai Carpet Shiraz
Qashqai Rugs: Qashqai Carpet Shiraz
Qashqa’i carpet, probably Shiraz

Origin: Fars Province, Southwest Persia, about 1930-40

SIze: 10ft.5in. x 7ft.5in. (3.17m. x 2.26m.)


Qashqai Khordjin Panel
Qashqai Khordjin Panel
The Qashqai IL is a confederation of tribes in Southwest Iran in the Shiraz area. Of all the tribal groups of Persia, their weaving is most prized. Pictures alone cannot give you an accurate idea of the three dimensionality of design, the gloss of the wool, and the mastery of the weave. Even simple items like a saddlebag panel can be a work of art.

Origin: Southwest Persia, circa 1900

Size: 1ft.6in. by 2ft. (not including fringe)

Structure: Symmetrical knot. 11 knots per horizontal inch and 12 knots per vertical inch. 132 per square inch (2046 per square decimeter). Medium depressed.

Yarn Spin: Z.

Warp: 2 ply wool, white.

Weft: 2 shot red wool.

Pile: 2 Wool singles.

Ends: Folded over and stitched.

Selvages: Goat hair braid.

Further Notes: This piece is in good condition with a rebuilt corner, some areas of low pile, and a few use marks. The piece is separated from a Khordjin and as such must be considered a fragment.

Qashqai Rugs: Qashqai Khordjin Panel

The colors in this piece are very good. Please note the apple green. They can get that color because of the whiteness of their wool; many others try that color and it comes out somewhat olive. When you are trying to learn the many tribes of Southwest Persia, keep in mind that the Qashqai have the whitest wool of the highest quality. The Khamseh are master weavers, and some of their work is very similar, but the experts use wool color, feel, and quality to pick out the Qashqai.

There is a debate in linguistic circles over whether Qashqai as a language is a distinct language or if it should be considered a dialect of Southern Azeribaijani. Personally, I have come to the conclusion that Qashqai must be a dialect of Southern Azeribaijani and that their weaving is a dialect of Southern Azeribaijani weaving.


Doquzlu Sheshboluki Qashqai Rug
Doquzlu Sheshboluki Qashqai Rug
Rug by the Doquzlu tireh of the Sheshboluki taifeh of the Qashqa’i Confederation

Origin: Fars Province, Southwest Persia, about 1900

Size: 5ft.8in. x 4ft.2in. (1.73m. x 1.27m.)

Condition: Heavy wear and damage.


Gabbeh Rugs: Southwest Persian Gabbeh
Gabbeh Rugs: Southwest Persian Gabbeh
This rug is a Southwest Persian Gabbeh from Southwest Persia in the Shiraz area of Iran. These are very thick rugs originally used as sleeping rugs but now used as floor rugs.

Size: 5ft.8in. by 5ft.10in.

Structure: Asymmetrical knot open to the left. 6 knots per horizontal inch and 5 knots per vertical inch. 30 per square inch (465 per square decimeter)

Yarn Spin: Z.

Warp: 2 ply tan wool.

Weft: 2 shot red wool.

Pile: 2 wool singles.

Ends: Post-hitch wharf binding with 2 inch warp fringe.

Selvages: 1 cord overcastting red wool.

Handle: Soft, pliable, heavy, durable, pile is 1 inch high.

Further Notes: Excellent condition.

Southwest Persian Gabbeh
This rug has mellow colors and a simple, almost childlike, simplicity.


Shiraz Vakil Mosque Isfahan Rug
Shiraz Vakil Mosque Isfahan rug
The famous Shiraz Vakil Mosque Isfahan rug by Haghighi

The Vakil Mosque takes it’s name from the Vakil (regent) Kerim Khan Zand. Karim Khan used the title Vakil to tie his claim to legitamacy to the last remnants of the Safavid dynasty. But in fact he was the Shah of Iran and Shiraz was his capital. He built the mosque from 1751 to 1773.


Shiraz Lori Rug
Shiraz Lori Rug
Size: 3ft.11in. x 9ft.2in. (120cm. x 280cm.)

Product Type: Original, one-of-a-kind

Colors: Red-burgundy, gray

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Lori Persian Rug

Age: Aged 20-30 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 52

Knotting Time: 45 days (427.5 hours)

Notes: Shiraz is an ancient city in central Iran which produces a very warm and comfortable series of rugs. The designs are very simple and geometric, yet the design themes seem more sophisticated than primitive. Along with geometric motifs, often featuring huge diamond-shaped medallions, small animals or plants can also be seen in parts of the field. Colors include brown, rust, beige, with navy or black outlines.


Pole Medallion Lori Rug
Pole Medallion Lori Rug
Size: 4ft.3in. x 8ft.2in. (130cm. x 248cm.)

Colors: Red-burgundy, beige

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Handspun wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Lori Persian Rug

Age: Aged 20-30 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 52

Knotting Time: 43 days (408.5 hours)


Pole Medallion Lori Rug with Offset Border
Pole Medallion Lori Rug w/ Offset Border
Size: 3ft.11in. x 7ft.10in. (120cm. x 240 cm.)

Colors: Red, beige

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Lori Persian Rug

Age: Aged 20-30 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 82

Knotting Time: 61 days (579.5 hours)


Branched Pole Medallion Lori Rug
Branched Pole Medallion Lori Rug
Size: 3ft.9in. x 7ft.6in. (114cm. x 228cm.)

Colors: Red-burgundy, blue-navy

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Lori Persian Rug

Age: Aged 20-30 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 82

Knotting Time: 55 days (522.5 hours)


Floral Rosette Shiraz Rug
Floral Rosette Shiraz Rug
Size: 3ft. 9in. x 5ft. 5in. (114cm. x 166cm.)

Colors: Red, gray

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: 0-10 years

Condition: Excellent

KPSI: 82

Knotting Time: 40 days (380 hours)

History & Construction: From the great southern province of Fars, through parts of the province of Kerman, nomadic tribes have a long history of rug weaving. Afshar, Qashqa’i, Gabbeh and other tribal rugs are produced in the southern part of this vast area. The Afshar tribes are mostly in the province of Kerman, while the renowned Qashqai tribes are spread across both provinces and other parts of southern Iran. Some major rug-weaving centers include the historic city of Shiraz, in Fars; the famous city of Kerman; and the towns of Abadeh, Sirjan, and many other villages and nomadic groupings.

Strong Turkish and Kurdish weaving influences and techniques are visible, especially in the use of the symmetrical Turkish knot, woven up to a density of 100 knots per sq. in. The foundation is strong, durable cotton, or in other cases, wool or goat hair. The pile is of very lustrous, fine wool that has been shorn from local herds, and colored mainly with natural vegetable and root dyes. These simple, gentle weavers are naturally fond of bright, lively colors for their primitive homes. They produce rugs that are unique treasures and may take many months to complete.


Shiraz Rugs: Tan and Brown Rug
Shiraz Rugs: Tan and Brown Rug
Size: 3ft.8in. x 7ft.4in. (112cm. x 224cm.)

Colors: Gold, brown

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Handspun wool

Pile: Handspun wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: Aged 20-30 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 52

Knotting Time: 34 days (323 hours)


Shiraz Rugs: Bird and Deer Rug
Shiraz Rugs: Bird and Deer Rug
Size: 5ft.7in. x 8ft.10in. (170cm. x 270cm.)

Colors: Beige, red

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Handspun wool

Pile: Handspun wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: Aged 20-30 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 52

Knotting Time: 62 days (589 hours)


Shiraz Rugs: Tan and Brown Shiraz Rug
Shiraz Rugs: Tan and Brown Shiraz Rug


Shiraz Kilim
Shiraz Kilim
Size: 4ft.9in. x 10ft. (145cm. x 305cm.)

Colors: Rose-brown, purple

Woven: Flat woven

Foundation: Wool

Pile: No pile

Style: Shiraz

Category: Kelim

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: Mature (10-20 years)

Condition: Excellent


Shiraz Rugs: Natural Tan Shiraz Rug
Shiraz Rugs: Natural Tan Shiraz Rug
Size: 4ft.2in. x 7ft.2in. (128cm. x 218cm.)

Colors: Beige, brown

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Handspun wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: Aged 20-30 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 52

Knotting Time: 37 days (351.5 hours)


Caucasian-Influenced Shiraz Rug
Caucasian Influenced Shiraz Rug
Size: 6ft.7in. x 9ft.10in. (200cm. x 300cm.)

Colors: Red, blue-navy

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: 0-10 years

Condition: Excellent

KPSI: 82

Knotting Time: 127 days (1206.5 hours)


Afshar Figural Shiraz Rug
Afshar Figural Shiraz Rug
Size: 3ft.11in. x 13ft. (120cm. x 395 cm.)

Colors: Beige, blue-navy

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Handspun wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: Vintage (40-50 years)

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 52

Knotting Time: 64 days (608 hours)


Bird Border Shiraz Kilim
Bird Border Shiraz Kilim
Size: 6ft.2in. x 9ft.3in. (187cm. x 282 cm.)

Colors: Grey, goldenrod

Woven: Flat woven

Foundation: Cotton/handspun wool

Pile: No pile

Style: Shiraz

Category: Kelim

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: Aged 20-30 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye


Rosette Shiraz Rug
Rosette Shiraz Rug
Size: 4ft.9in. x 6ft.11in. (144cm. x 212cm.)

Colors: Red-burgundy, blue-navy

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: 0-10 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 118

Knotting Time: 93 days (883.5 hours)


Traditional Shiraz Rug
Traditional Shiraz Rug
Size: 5ft.7in. x 8ft.10in. (170cm. x 270cm.)

Colors: Beige, blue-navy

Woven: Hand knotted

Foundation: Wool

Pile: Wool

Style: Shiraz

Category: Tribal

Origin: Shiraz Persian Rug

Age: 0-10 years

Condition: Excellent

Dye: 100% vegetable dye

KPSI: 82

Knotting Time: 97 days (921.5 hours)


Fars Rugs: Danicheh-khair Village Rug
Fars Rugs: Danicheh-khair village Rug
Origin: Danicheh-khair village, Upper Qonqori district of Fars, Southwest Persia, about 1900-20

7ft.7in. x 5ft.2in. (2.31m. x 1.58m.)

Condition: Overall even wear.

 


Manijeh and Bijan, Shahnameh Shiraz, circa 1520-30

Manijeh and Bijan, Shahnameh Shiraz, circa 1520-30

Shiraz, circa 1520-30 AD

A leaf from a Shahnameh, gouache heightened with gold on paper, Manijeh and Bijan seated in a richly patterned tent with female musicians accompanying them, three lines of black nasta’liq arranged in four columns above and below, slight oxidisation and creasing, mounted, framed and glazed.

Folio 14½ x 11½in. (36.5 x 29.3cm.); miniature 9¾ x 7½in. (24.7 x 18.6cm.)