Rug Cleaning Market Harborough

Key Characteristics of Qashqai Rugs:

• Design and Patterns: The designs are entirely geometric and symbolic, passed down through generations. You’ll rarely see the curvilinear floral patterns common in city-made rugs like Isfahans. Common motifs include stylised animals (goats, camels, dogs), plants, and geometric shapes like hexagons (known as mehrāb, or prayer niche) and stars. The layouts are often busy and all-over, with a central medallion being a very popular feature.

• Colour Palette: Qashqai rugs are celebrated for their rich, jewel-like colours. The most classic and famous combination is a deep crimson or cherry red background, often from madder root dye, contrasted with shades of navy blue, ivory, saffron yellow, and green. The colours are strong and vibrant, yet they harmonise beautifully.

• Materials and Construction: They are almost exclusively made from high-quality, lustrous wool—often from the tribe’s own sheep. The wool is hand-spun, which gives it a slightly irregular, robust texture. The foundation (warp and weft) is usually wool or, sometimes, goat hair. They are hand-knotted using the symmetrical (Turkish or Ghiordes) knot, which creates a very strong and dense pile.

• Durability: Thanks to the high-quality wool and tight knotting, a genuine Qashqai rug is incredibly hard-wearing. They were originally woven for practical use in tents and to withstand the rigours of nomadic life, making them perfect for high-traffic areas in a modern home.

Other Points of Interest:

• Tribal Origin: Unlike rugs named after a city (e.g., Tabriz, Kashan), Qashqai rugs are named after the people who make them. Each sub-tribe might have its own slight variations in style and pattern.

• A Mark of Authenticity: True antique and vintage Qashqai rugs were woven on horizontal looms that could be folded up and transported, meaning they are often not perfectly rectangular. A slight irregularity in shape is often seen as a mark of authentic tribal origin.

• Modern Versions: Today, while some tribes maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, many are settled. Rugs are still produced in the Qashqai style, but one must be cautious of commercial copies that mimic the style but lack the quality of materials and craftsmanship.

In summary, a Persian Qashqai rug is a piece of nomadic tribal art. It brings a burst of colour, history, and textural warmth to a room, prized by collectors and interior designers for its artistic merit and legendary toughness.