The Oriental Collection - Catalog - Page 49
REZAS NOMADIC RUGS
Kashghai
The Kashghai are Iran’s largest and most well-known tribe. They speak a Turkish
dialect, and are believed to have come from the Caucasus in the 18th century to their
current areas, around Shiraz in the Fars Province of southern Iran. Both their rugs and
the women’s clothing clearly show their skills and love of colours, with their rugs said
to be the most famous of all Persian tribal weavings. The rugs are used in a variety of
practical applications including wall tapestries or as the rug of their tents.
A Kashghai rug can be identified by a wool construction, sturdy ridges on the back,
and strong, deep colours (especially the red). Knot densities range from 150,000
– 250,000 knots per sqm. The colouring serves a practical purpose besides being
attention-grabbing as is not as sensitive to dirt as other tones. The rugs are decorated with various tribal motifs. Animals, plants, flowers and trees – the universe of the
kashgai people can be found in their designs.
The patterns are geometrical, typically with three or five medallions along the
centre of the rug or in the middle and corners. The entire field is usually covered
in small geometrical motifs. Persepolis motifs can often be found in the rugs. The
Kashghai are also famous for their older crafts, such as horse blankets, saddlebags, and rope. The products of other tribes, such as the Kamseh and the Lori,
are often mistaken for those of the Kashghai.
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