Southern Iran has several weaving regions, and although they all have distinguishing features, similar designs, motifs, and colors are often to be found in each region. The Fars region is vast, and two nomadic populations are responsible for the rug weaving in the area: the Quashq’ai and the Kamseh. In these two groups the weaving is very similar, and rugs are often referred to as Fars or Shiraz (the city where they are marketed).

The southern tribal confederation consists of five main tribes: Quashq’ai, Bakhtiari, Afshar, Luri and Kamseh. Caucasian influences can be seen in all of their designs, which include the boteh, medallion, floral and pole-medallion motifs. They are usually woven with the Senneh knot, and are often based on a central medallion, with small geometrical motifs filling the field. Fairly narrow borders are often used. Generally speaking, Quashq’ai are more likely to be curvilinear and tend to use brighter colors, whereas the Kamseh are more inclined to be geometric and to use darker colors.

Some Afshar rugs follow tribal tradition, while others follow the ornamental motifs of the city workshops nearby. Borders are decorated with stylized rosettes and vines. Backgrounds tend to be dark with a contrasting paler blue, white, red, yellow and green. Bakhtiari carpets are often woven in rows of squares, octagons and diamonds, each containing stylized plants. The most popular example is the paneled garden design. Luri carpets carpets are extremely varied, with stylized plant motifs in grids and tiny geomteric motifs in rows. Reds and blues predominate. Finally, gabbehs are among the most primitive of all Persian tribal rugs. They use good quality wool, and the best items have a definite charm.

*sourced from ‘Carpet Style’ by Marty Phillips

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
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