This beautifully expressive antique Qashqai rug, woven by the nomadic tribes of southwestern Iran in the late 19th century, embodies the spontaneous creativity and symbolic richness that define Qashqai weaving at its best. Likely made around 1880–1900, the rug showcases the confident geometry and saturated natural dyes typical of pieces from the Fars region.
Its layout is centred around a striking triple-diamond medallion configuration, a hallmark of Qashqai tribal design. These angular, stepped medallions anchor a richly detailed field brimming with scattered rosettes, zoomorphic symbols, and star-like floral abstractions. The weaver’s instinctive use of space and symmetry creates a sense of rhythm and motion, while the surrounding field—alive with asymmetrical motifs—offers a visual feast for the discerning eye.
The colour palette is earthy and elemental, dominated by rich madder reds, inky blues, and soft camel tones—all derived from natural dyes. This organic range has mellowed with age into a deeply harmonious blend of tones, offering warmth and character that only time can bestow. The rug is framed by a series of stylised tribal borders, including a powerful white-ground main border populated with rosettes and angular vines, and narrower guard stripes that bring cohesion to the overall design.
Of note, a small professional repair has been carried out at the edge of the rug, as visible in the detailed image. This conservation was completed with care and respect for the original materials and weaving technique. While this is a minor blemish in the context of the rug’s overall integrity and age, the price has been adjusted accordingly to reflect this historical imperfection.
Woven on a wool foundation with soft, resilient handspun wool pile, this rug is as tactilely pleasing as it is visually engaging. It was likely made as a dowry or family heirloom piece, intended for use within a tent or tribal dwelling, and its construction suggests both durability and personal significance.
This Qashqai rug is a fine example of southern Persian tribal artistry—expressive, emotionally charged, and full of narrative depth. Its minor repair does little to diminish its charm, character, or collectability, and it remains a compelling addition to interiors seeking authenticity, texture, and timeless beauty.