Afshar Persian carpets

Afshar Rug

Persia, circa 1940 (semi-antique).

Size: 190 cm x 154 cm (75 in x 61 in)

 

Warp: cotton, Weft: wool, Pile: wool

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Carefully woven in the Persian Afshar ethnic group. This elegant Afshar rug has a carefully repeated pattern of vines with lily flowers and leaves in red and blue on a light ivory ground. The delicate drawing by a skilled weaver is a true testament to the Afshar weaving tradition and tribal heritage. The patterns throughout are interspersed with smaller tribal motifs, and the more we look at them, the more intricate the patterns emerge and delight our eyes. This rug is in very good condition.

 

Old Afshar rugs are known for their consistently high quality of materials and craftsmanship, and for the wide variety of patterns. High-quality saturated dye techniques can be seen in the old Afshar rugs, a sign of highly skilled dyers. Most of these rugs are glistened by wool taken from their own flock of sheep, giving them a soft, supple feel. Afshal rugs are usually more square than other rugs, making them versatile for modern interiors.

 

Like their Afshar neighbours, the Qashqai, good Afshar rugs are becoming rarer and more valuable. Many collectors of desirable Qashqai and Caucasian rugs almost invariably also collect Afshal rugs, which are used as floor or wall decor.