Vintage Qashqai kilim from Iran. 138x112 cms

This woven vintage Qashqai kilim started its life as a large mule bag, complete with sturdy “handles” crafted from goat wool, designed to secure it to a saddle. It has since been opened out for use as a floor rug. Typically, the striped half would have been the back of the bag, while the more decorated side—the front—was meant to be seen. Here, however, both sides are striped and share a similar look.

Now transformed into a kilim, this piece features charming wool pompoms and has a durable weight, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool and goat wool (in the handles)

Size: 138×112 cms

Origin: Qashqai tribe, Iran

Date of weaving: 1980s

Turkic-speaking pastoral nomadic tribal groups began entering central and southern Iran during the eleventh and twelfth centuries.The Qashqai, as a large tribal unit, dates back at least to the early eighteenth century, when some Turkish(Turki)-speaking tribal groups in the region existed under the name Qashqai.

Qashqai kilims are best known for their boldness and and freedom in the way the pattern is drawn. An aesthetically pleasing geometry, the fineness of their wool and their clear, strong colours combine to ensure their reputation as superlative examples.