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Joshaqan and Meimehs?

From: Stuart Muir

I have heard that Joshaqan are tribal rugs because of the geometric design, but I have also heard that this is a misconception. Can you explain?

Most Joshaqan I have seen are not particularly high quality (big knots, patterns not especially sharp). The Joshaqan that I have seen have fairly soft wool (not Cork wool, but still not coarse). Is this basically true?

Many years ago in Chicago I saw a huge (about 16' x 24') beautiful rug called a Meimeh (sp?) that looked just like a Joshaqan. It was definitely woven finely (many knots psi) and the pile was shaven quite low. The pattern was very crisp and, though repetitive, the design was fine enough to retain interest. It was not a kilim. What was this rug? Are such rugs readily available today?

Stuart Muir

Hello Stuart,

First of all no disrespect to anyone but the term Tribal rug gets tossed around very loosely. Tribal has come to mean unregulated home industry at least partially for home or local use. Sure people try to romanticize it but it is a flawed description that springs mostly from dealer lore. But we all use it. If anyone wants to discuss tribalism I am more than happy to since I have read most of the most pertinent literature and spoken with many of the authors. But let us leave anthropology and get back to rugs. I think Joshegahns are more properly called village rugs

At one time Joshaqans were among the best rugs in Persia but then the Afghans invaded in 1722 and Joshaqan never came back to it's former glory. Some are very nice but most are at the lower end of the quality scale. I have seen both domestic (hard) and foreign (soft) wool used so I will not agree that they are all soft. By soft I mean thinner fiber merino type wool.

Meimehs are a finer rug in the same basic pattern from a nearby town. I see them now and then. For every 100 Hamadans I saw in the market and 50 Bijars I might see 1 Joshaqan and even more rarely a Meimeh. However I never went specifically looking for them and if I wanted one I suspect I could find one.

Best wishes,
Barry

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