QASHQAI & TRIBAL
The Nomadic Spirit Woven into Persian Carpets
Qashqai · Bakhtiari · Afshar
The nomadic weavers of the Fars steppes wove their lives into every thread. These carpets are not merely floor coverings — they are enduring witnesses to a way of life. The Qashqai, Bakhtiari, and Afshar tribes created masterworks on looms carried from season to season along their migration routes.
Every Knot Tells a Lifetime
The most important feature distinguishing nomadic carpets from urban production is their free patterns inspired by nature. The woman seated at the loom transferred her imagination, the surrounding nature, and her tribe's symbols directly into the thread, without any draft or drawing. This is why every nomadic carpet is unique — even two carpets from the same tribe are not copies of each other.
Color selection is also an integral part of the nomadic tradition. Deep blues from indigo, yellows from weld, browns from oak bark, and rich reds distilled from madder root — all dyes are natural and deepen with the years to become even more beautiful. The secret of this velvety patina, never achievable with synthetic dyes, lies in the natural raw materials.
QASHQAI & TRIBAL
Three Great Nomadic Traditions
Fars Province, Iran
Qashqai
One of Iran's largest nomadic tribes, the Qashqai migrated twice yearly across the vast steppes between the Zagros Mountains and the Persian Gulf. The vivid colors and bold geometric medallions of their carpets reflect the beauty of this demanding life.
Chahar Mahal & Bakhtiari, Iran
Bakhtiari
Bakhtiari carpets are recognized by their famous 'char bagh' (four gardens) motif: the field is organized in compartmentalized floral panels, each presenting a different garden scene. This design is a symbolic reflection of the paradise gardens that nomads longed for.
Kerman, South Iran
Afshar
Afshar carpets are a unique blend of Turkish and Iranian weaving traditions. Usually produced in square or hexagonal formats, these carpets bring together medallion, floral, and animal motifs in asymmetric balance. Limited production volumes make these carpets extremely valuable for collectors.
From the Collection
