Object Description
Early Qashqai Runner, c. 1890
2.95 x 1.20 m
The nomadic Qashqai peoples of Southwest Persia have a long tradition of rug-weaving and are well known for crafting expressive, high knot-density pieces, often with the luxurious wool produced in the mountains and valleys of the Shiraz region, renowned not only for being exceptionally soft but also for how well it takes to the dyes used in making rugs, lending the Qashqai weavings a wonderfully vivid palette.
This early Qashqai runner – dating to c. 1890 – features an unusual colour scheme, with a dark grey field serving to compliment the soft ivory and muted salmon tones in the drawing. The composition employs a series of diamonds running from one end to the other, framed by a tripartite border decorated with an irregular geometric pattern, repeated in a creative variety of tones – a bold layout for a piece of this narrow format.
A beautiful tribal rug, in very good condition for everyday use, with a charming naivety to add character to any setting.