Types of Tribal Persian Rugs | A Knowledge Guide

Tribal rugs are made by nomadic tribes who constantly moved to find better areas to feed their livestock. The weaver's nomadic lifestyle has a significant influence on the shape of the rug, its colors, and the styles of these rugs.

The tribal weavers took their surroundings to inspire their designs. The dyes they used were made from plants found within their surroundings. This led to a stunning variety of colors and patterns in tribal rugs made in different regions.

Bakhtiari

Bakhtiari Rugs are among the most vibrant of all Persian rugs. Weavers made hectic designs using a variety of vibrant colors, including reds and browns and yellows and greens. They are complemented by white and ivory. Latticed squares and compartments decorated with tendrils and flowers are standard in this rug. Bakhtiari Rugs are heavy and feature solid and durable knots.

Balouchi

Balouchi Rugs are usually smaller in dimensions. The striking designs on the carpet are made more memorable with dark dyes like dark red, navy blue, chocolate brown, and black. Accents of ivory, white, and orange cut through the dark hue and give the rug flecks of brighter colors for a dramatic impact. A tree with life, the highly stylized and stylized camel's foot, and the pear-shaped medallion weavers used. Their tiny size and the variety of designs make the Balouchi rug very popular as a prayer rug.

Gabbeh

Gabbeh Rugs are simple designs composed of geometric or symbolic patterns and shapes. The simple nature of the patterns and designs is offset by vibrant shades like reds, oranges, rusts, and yellows. The dyes are derived from the natural plant life found in the surrounding area. Rugs of this type are heavy and coarse with a small knot count. The pile is usually just one inch long.

Quchan Kurdi

Originating from the northeast Khorasan Province of Persia, Quchan Kurdi generally includes geometric patterns in dark burgundy, indigo green, and ivory. The hues are deep and rich, making the simple designs stand out clearly. Quchan Kurdi rugs are made by hand, knotting wool over wool.

Shiraz

The patterns of Shiraz rug have been influenced by the designs of its many provinces that border it, which is why they're so diverse. Geometric patterns are a common element in the majority of these rugs. They have pole medallions of various sizes that are artfully integrated into the design of the carpet. In the majority of Shiraz rugs, borders are made up of bands that are arranged in layers. Pine leaf and palm tree designs embellish these bands to make a more attractive border. The hue of these rugs depends on the condition of the carpet. While bright brown and red are typically utilized in older rugs, contemporary pieces are also adorned with subtle greens and shades of khaki colors to make them look like soft rugs with cotton or wool base that appears a loose pile.

Turkoman

Turkoman Rugs can be identified through their geometric designs in striking red or brown shades and their octagonal Jul patterns. Weavers employed a variety of colors and stylistic elements to make their variations of the octagonal Jul motif. This created unique rug designs that essentially use a single kind of motif set out in geometric arrangement. Early Turkoman rug designs feature a single knot weave, with later pieces having two-knot weaving.