Antique tribal rug, Khamseh, circa 1900.

Size 230 x 160 cm

South-west Persia, Fars Province.

Pile weave, wool, warp wool.

 

The three central diamond medallions are filled with stars and flowers and surrounded by traditional striped outlines. The field is filled with flowers and stars as well as bird and animal figures. The vines and flowers in the outer border are associated with the Arab Khamseh people.

 

Nineteenth-century Persian Khamseh carpets (Khamseh / Hamseh) have much in common with nomadic Qashqai textiles and are highly valued by tribal carpet collectors for their deep colours and complex, stylised use of ancient motifs and animals. The Khamseh were a 19th century South Persian tribal confederation whose carpet style and geographical origins are linked to the Qashqai and Afshar traditions. As with other nomadic textiles from the Fars region, the decoration is varied and enhanced by the use of natural dye shades and fine wool. The traditional colour palette of the Khamseh tribes is characterised by deep neutral dark blue and rust colours.

 

In good condition for it’s age of over 120 years, with  low pile in places and signs of use, but can still be used as an everyday carpet.