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.
Shag rugs have long held a special place in the world of interior design. These luxurious, soft, and inviting floor coverings are more than just carpets; they’re a statement of comfort and style.
On this page, we’ll delve into the history, characteristics, and unique charm of shag rugs, shedding light on why they continue to be a beloved choice for homeowners and designers alike.
Shag rugs made their debut in the mid-20th century, becoming an instant sensation. They were a symbol of rebellion against the traditional, formal designs of the past. These rugs represented a shift towards a more relaxed, casual, and comfortable lifestyle.
The term “shag” itself is a reference to the rug’s long, fluffy pile. The iconic shaggy appearance was achieved through the use of longer yarn strands, creating a deep and inviting texture.
When they were first introduced, they were primarily made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, which added to their affordability and durability.
Shag rugs quickly became synonymous with the era of free expression, a time when people were eager to break free from the constraints of social conventions. Shag rugs were seen as more just floor coverings; they were a reflection of a cultural shift towards individuality and self-expression.
What sets shag rugs apart from their counterparts is their unique texture and inviting feel. Here are some unique defining characteristics of shag rugs:
Plush Pile: Shag rugs are known for their high and loose pile, which creates a cushioned and fluffy surface that feels incredibly comfortable underfoot.
Versatile Colors: Shag rugs come in a wide range of colors, allowing them to complement various interior design styles and color schemes. From neutral tones to vibrant hues, there’s a shag rug for every preference.
Luxurious Material: While synthetic fibers are still commonly used, many modern shag rugs feature natural materials like wool, which enhance their luxurious appeal and eco-friendliness.
Size Options: Shag rugs are available in a wide variety of sizes, making them suitable for any room in your home. Whether it’s a small area rug or a large living room centerpiece, you can find the perfect fit for your space.
Ease of Maintenance: While they might look luxurious and high-maintenance, shag rugs are relatively easy to maintain. Regular vacuuming and the occasional shaking or beating are usually sufficient to keep them looking fresh.
One might assume that shag rugs are a thing of the past, reminiscent of the retro era. However, they have proven to be more than a fleeting trend; they are a timeless icon in interior design. Here’s why shag rugs continue to be a popular choice:
The plush texture of shag rugs adds a layer of comfort and coziness to any space. Whether you’re walking barefoot or sitting on the floor, the softness of a shag rug provides a welcoming embrace.
These stunning rugs effortlessly blend into a variety of design styles. From bohemian and mid-century modern to contemporary and eclectic, shag rugs can adapt to your preferred aesthetic.
They contribute to a quieter living environment by absorbing sound and reducing noise. This makes them an excellent choice for bedrooms, nurseries, or any area where noise reduction is desired.
The unique texture of shag rugs creates visual interest in a room. They can either serve as a vibrant statement piece or as a neutral contrast to your other furniture. Either way, shag rugs have the power to make your space feel more inviting and dynamic.
It makes sense that these rugs are synonymous with warmth and the Danish concept of “hygge,” which represents comfort, coziness, and well-being. Adding a shag rug to your home can instantly create a sense of hygge.
Selecting the perfect shag rug for your space is a personal journey. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed choice:
Size Matters: Measure your space carefully to determine the appropriate rug size. Consider whether you want a rug that covers the entire area or one that defines a specific seating or lounging area.
Color Palette: Think about the color scheme of your room. Do you want the rug to blend in or make a bold statement? Shag rugs come in a spectrum of colors, so you can always find the right match for your decor in our extensive selection.
Material Preference: Decide whether you prefer synthetic or natural fibers. Wool shag rugs, for example, offer a luxurious feel and are environmentally friendly, while synthetic options are often more budget-friendly.
Maintenance: Consider your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. Shag rugs require regular care to maintain their appearance, so ensure you’re ready for the upkeep.
Design Harmony: Your rug should complement the overall design of the room. Whether you’re aiming for a vintage, eclectic, or minimalist look, choose a shag rug that enhances the desired atmosphere.
Shag rugs have come a long way since their inception. Thanks to multiple innovations over the years, shag rugs evolved with the times while retaining their essential qualities of comfort and style. Owning a shag rug is about more than having a piece of decor; it’s about creating a warm, inviting experience in your home.
When you step onto a shag rug, you’re greeted by a sensation of indulgence. It’s a delight that transforms your space into a sanctuary of comfort. It’s an open invitation to take off your shoes, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Incorporating a shag rug into your interior design is more than a stylistic choice; it’s an affirmation of your commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere.
In a world where design trends come and go, shag rugs stand as a luxurious legacy, transcending time and fashion. They embody the essence of coziness and relaxation, serving as a reminder that your home should be a haven of tranquility.
At Rug Source, we understand the profound impact a shag rug can have on your living spaces. Our collection features a curated selection of shag rugs that combine contemporary design with the classic charm of shaggy textures. Whether you’re redecorating your living room, bedroom, or any other space, our shag rugs will add a touch of indulgence and elegance to your home.
Elevate your space, indulge in comfort, and make a lasting style statement with a shag rug from Rugsoucre. Explore our collection today and experience the plush embrace of timeless luxury.