Philip Walton Rugs

Qashgai Rugs

The Qashgai of Fars, South-West Iran, are one of the worlds last remaining genuine pastoral nomadic tribes people. Dressed in their bright coloured clothes, they make a 200 hundred mile migration twice a year, moving high into the Zagros mountains during the summer and then back to more temperate lowlands for the harsh winter.

 

During the migration, the Qashgai take all their belongings on horseback including the tents and rug weaving looms. It is because of the restrictions of this journey that we rarely see any Qashgai rugs larger than 7’ wide (although some are made in the towns).

 

As opposed to much modern rug production, the Qashgai rugs remain true to their origins and have not been influenced by the trends and demands of the western rug markets. The red background (often dyed from madder root) is cornered with blue or grey and usually has one, three or five diamonds in a vertical line down the centre.

 

The detail in the ground and the border work varies according to the sub-tribe and the mood of the weaver at the time of making. Lack of symmetry and sometimes quirky nuances often feature, and to find such things as autographs and dates woven in is a rare bonus.

 

Most our Qashgai rugs have been used for a period before being sold locally in nearby Shiraz. They can also be deliberately faded in the sun to take the harsh edge from the red (although mud is often applied to other colours to prevent the bright secondary jewel colours from becoming dull and uninteresting. The Persian carpet generally looks at its best after many years of even wear and, if it appeals at the point of sale, it’s beauty will likely further grow over time.

 

The quality of yarn used is exceptional due to the herds’ subjection to extremely cold winters and high altitudes, and this gives the high-lustre, gloss-like finish that glows in the home. The fringes (which run end to end through the rug as integral warp threads) are, in Qashgai rugs, undyed wool as they have little access to materials such as cotton. A cotton thread would make for a more stable rug that remains in shape and lays flat on the floor, however it is a tribute to the skills of the Qashgai weavers to see these attributes in their wool-based carpets.

 

Above all other rugs we buy and sell, a good, clean Qashgai rug with it’s charming individuality is one that will provide enjoyment and interest for the considerable duration of it’s life.