Gabbeh Rugs are Part of a Rich Persian Tradition
The traditional Gabbeh Persian carpet – known as gava in Kurdish and Luri and called khersak in Bakhtiari – is a simple, hand-woven pile rug traditionally made by the nomadic Qashqai tribes who dwelled in the Zagros Mountains of southern Iran, near the city of Shiraz. Other tribes, such as the Lurs, the Kurds and the Bahktiari also weave these carpets.
In Persian, the word “Gabbeh” means “fringe” or “in the rough.” Gabbeh rugs are rough cut and long piled rugs of rich color and the best quality wool. Most Gabbeh carpets are medium size – up to 3’ x 5’ – and feature abstract designs where shapes and color dance playfully with one another.
Variations of the gabbeh rug – such as the “Loribaft”, “Amaleh”, “Kashkuli” – may reflect the heritage of the tribe by which they are woven or the name of the city in which they are most often traded, such as “a Shiraz Gabbeh.”
The 19th century gabbeh rugs were very coarsely knotted (40kpi or less), often with shaggy pile. The name of Gholam Reza Zollanvari is synonymous with modern Gabbeh rugs. Zollanvari learned the rug business from his grandfather, a merchant in the Shirazi rug bazaar. Zollanvari pioneered the construction of fine-weave gabbehs with knot counts of 200+ kpi. Today, Zollanvari rugs are among the most popular styles of Persian rugs.
The Making of a Gabbeh Rugs: A Craft Shared Across Generations
Most Gabbeh carpets are made by women, and many are one-of-a-kind works of art. Some patterns are passed down thru the generations as mothers and grandmothers teach their daughters the art of Persian rug making. Many patterns reflect the weaver’s observations of the environments through which the tribe has passed. Some rugs are even made by the hands of many weavers.
Traditional Gabbeh rugs were woven on makeshift ground looms. These looms are built with materials are carried long distances by the nomadic tribes, or materials found where the tribe settled. Since each loom is unique, each rug is unique; this is how Gabbeh rugs get their distinctive irregular in shape.
Woven with the Wool of Mountain Sheep
Gabbeh rugs are woven from high quality wool from the tribe’s own sheep. As the tribe herds its sheep over hundreds of miles, the nomads reach high altitudes. In the summers, they stay in the highland pastures north of Shiraz in the Zargos Mountains; by winter they sojourn to pasture lands near the Persian Gulf. Sheep grazed in high altitudes produce more lanolin, giving their wool a luxurious softness and resistance to stain.
Rich, Colorful Dyes Give Gabbeh Carpets a Remarkable Color
The Qashqai people find the dyes used in Gabbeh carpets or purchase them in towns where they trade their finished carpets. Often, they use all-natural vegetable dyes to give the wool vibrant color while retaining its lanolin.
Hand-Knotted Rugs with Turkish Symmetrical Knots and Persian Asymmetrical Knots
Most of the wool used in the construction of Gabbeh rugs is handspun using a drop spindle. After the wool has been dyed and handspun, the weaver uses the loom to hand-knot the rug using Turkish symmetrical knots or Persian asymmetrical knots, or even a combination of the two. Because the all the Qashqai tribes use both types of knots, it is difficult to tell from which individual tribe any one rug has come from.
Gabbeh Rugs Are Small – Often Just 3’ x 5’ in Size
A typical size for a Gabbeh carpet is 3 feet by 5 feet. It can take 18 to 25 hours to weave even a small Gabbeh rug. Tribal Gabbeh rugs usually have lower knot counts compared to other types of Persian carpet. This low knot count and the high quality of wool makes Gabbeh rugs famous for their exceptional durability.
Durable Floor Coverings, Wraps and Bedding to Protect from the Mountain Cold
Gabbeh rugs are often floppy because they have wider rows of multiple wefts. This made the soft, pliable rugs ideal as wraps or bedding to insulate against the bitter cold of the mountains.
Gabbeh rugs are often not symmetrical due to the nomadic lifestyle of their creators, and color variations within a rug are common. Often, the variation in color in a rug tells a story of the tribe’s migration, the climates and environments it encountered, and the tribe members who contributed to its creation.
Where to Buy Gabbeh Rugs
Unless you plan to travel to Iran to shop for Gabbeh rugs in the marketplace, we’d suggest buying a Gabbeh rug online from RugSource.com or visiting our showroom. We’re proud to bring these highly coveted rugs to you – please contact us if you’d like to know more.
Oushak rugs are more than just floor coverings; they're works of art that infuse your living spaces with timeless elegance. With their distinct angular large-scale floral patterns and calming presence, Oushak rugs have been gracing homes for centuries. In this article, we delve into the world of Oushak rugs, exploring their origins, unique characteristics, and the artistry that goes into creating these masterpieces.
Oushak rugs, woven in the picturesque region of Western Turkey known as Uşak, boast an alluring blend of history and craftsmanship. These rugs are defined by their angular large-scale floral designs, creating a sense of harmony and tranquility in any room. While Oushak rug production has evolved with contemporary influences, it remains deeply rooted in the aesthetic of its original prototypes.
The story of Oushak rugs traces back to a region just south of Istanbul, where nomads initially crafted these rugs for their personal use. However, by the 15th century, Oushak had transformed into a hub of Turkish rug production. The 17th century witnessed a shift as Europeans began to purchase rugs from local manufacturers. Later, in the 19th century, Oushak rugs experienced a revival, with traditional techniques being rekindled in neighboring villages.
Now, in the 21st century, Oushak rugs are one of the most popular types of handmade rugs on the market. The bold, bright colors and designs of Oushak rugs appeal to homeowners who appreciate history, fine art, and interior design. To ensure that the legacy of Turkey and its expert rug weavers continue to live on, Rug Source acquires antique, vintage, and modern examples of Oushak rugs and sells them to customers in the Carolinas and beyond.
Oushak rugs have not only graced floors but also left their mark on history's canvas. From the Renaissance Period onward, these rugs adorned the artworks of renowned artists. They added a touch of decorative opulence and color, often becoming focal points in paintings. The significance of Oushak rugs in historical mosques of Istanbul further showcases their cultural relevance.
Craftsmanship lies at the heart of Oushak rugs. Utilizing materials like cotton, wool, silk, and even occasional metal threads, the weavers ensure both quality and aesthetic appeal. The cotton foundation and wool pile create a luxurious texture that's both inviting and enduring.
The artistry of Oushak rugs is passed down through generations of skilled weavers. While traditional techniques are upheld, modern modifications have been incorporated, enhancing the rug-making process. Knot density plays a crucial role in the rug's durability and appearance. Tools like the "punja" ensure meticulously tied knots that stand the test of time.
Oushak rugs are easily recognizable by their golden or dark ivory backgrounds adorned with floral or geometric patterns. Natural vegetable dyes produce a rich array of colors, ranging from warm cinnamon to vibrant saffron. The wool used in Oushak rugs exudes a unique luminescence that adds depth to their designs. Throughout their history, the rugs have evolved, embracing floral patterns and diverse color schemes.
Choosing the ideal Oushak rug for your home is a blend of art and science. Focus on hand-knotted rugs, as their quality and durability are unparalleled. Inquire about the dyeing process—organic vegetable dyes enhance the rug's appeal and eco-friendliness. It's also important to set a budget and stick to it; after all, handmade rugs made by expert weavers are a serious investment. That's why Rug Source offers multiple sales and promotions on Oushak rugs throughout the year.
You should also think about what you want the rug to look like; does your space lend itself to dark or light colors? Geometric or floral patterns? An area rug or runner rug? Square or round? Do you want the room to feel large and expansive, or small and cozy? To help yourself answer all these questions and more, consider taking rugs home for a trial; seeing how they fit in your space ensures a harmonious blend of aesthetics.
Oushak rugs aren't just limited to the floor. Their durability makes them suitable for various spaces, from hallways to kitchens. They can be laid on the floor in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, and more. Additionally, if you choose an Oushak runner rug, you can place it in the hallway, on a staircase, or even on the floor between your kitchen sink and island counter. Alternatively, if you want your rug to be more of a conversation piece, you can do what Turkish royalty used to do in their palaces: hang the rug on your wall like a tapestry.
Because they come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors, Oushak rugs work well with multiple aesthetic preferences. For instance, you can use them to create a bold statement in a minimalist room. Or, if you're going for a more eccentric and laid-back feel, you can layer multiple brightly colored Oushak rugs to add a bohemian touch. Oushak rugs can effortlessly adapt to your style, regardless of what your style is.
When it comes to Oushak rugs, Rug Source is your trusted source. With over 13 years in the rug business, we combine expertise with quality. Our 30-day return policy ensures your satisfaction, and our Charlotte facility allows you to experience our rugs in person. Our dedicated team is always ready to assist you in finding the perfect Oushak rug for your home.
Oushak rugs are more than floor coverings; they're reflections of artistry and culture. From their historical origins to their distinctive designs, these rugs exude timeless elegance. Whether you're seeking to create a serene haven or an artistic statement, Oushak rugs seamlessly blend into your home. Contact Rug Source today to discover the allure of Oushak rugs and elevate your living spaces with their captivating elegance.
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