Qashqai carpets are tribal Persian rugs woven by the Qashqai nomads of southwestern Iran, primarily in the Fars Province around Shiraz. Unlike the city-made Isfahan rugs with their refined precision, Qashqai carpets are full of energy, bold color, and cultural storytelling, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of their makers.

Key Features of Qashqai Carpets

1. Materials

• Usually made from hand-spun wool for both warp and weft.
• The wool is often dyed using natural plant-based dyes, giving the carpets rich, earthy tones.
• Occasionally, goat hair is used for extra durability.

2. Knotting & Weaving

• Tightly woven using the Turkish (symmetrical) knot.
• Medium to high knot density for tribal rugs (typically around 120,000–250,000 knots per square meter).
• Woven on horizontal looms, which are portable and suit the nomadic lifestyle.

3. Designs & Motifs

• Highly geometric and symbolic rather than floral or curvilinear.
• Common motifs include:

1. Central medallions (diamond or hexagonal shapes)
2. Animals, especially lions, birds, and sometimes camels
3. Trees, stars, and tribal totems
4. Elibelinde (a stylized fertility symbol of a woman with arms on hips)
5. Designs are often asymmetrical and spontaneous, reflecting personal expression rather than fixed patterns.

4. Color Palette

• Bold and contrasting colors: deep reds, dark blues, burnt orange, ivory, and mustard yellows.
• Natural dyes age beautifully, giving older Qashqai rugs a warm, mellow patina.

5. Sizes

• Typically small to medium (due to nomadic weaving limitations), like runners or room-sized carpets.
• Larger Qashqai carpets exist but are rarer.

Cultural & Historical Context

• The Qashqai are a Turkic-speaking nomadic people who have migrated for centuries between summer highland pastures and winter lowlands. Carpet weaving is a central part of their culture, often passed down through generations. Each carpet tells a story not just through its motifs but through the weaver’s personal touch, life events, and environment. A Qashqai rug isn’t just décor, it’s living folklore woven into wool.

Why People Love Qashqai Rugs?

• Authenticity: They’re handmade and rich with tradition.
• Durability: Built for a nomad’s tent, so they’re rugged and long-lasting.
• Unique character: No two Qashqai rugs are exactly the same.
• Bohemian appeal: Perfect for eclectic, warm interiors.

Qashqai rug made with authentic plant-based dyes, completely chemical-free and fully colorfast when washed. Available in the following approximate sizes:

• 110 cm (L) × 80 cm (W)
• 160 cm (L) × 100 cm (W)
• 200 cm (L) × 150 cm (W)
• 220 cm (L) × 160 cm (W)
• 230 cm (L) × 170 cm (W)
• 300 cm (L) × 200 cm (W)
• 330 cm (L) × 220 cm (W)
• 350 cm (L) × 250 cm (W)
• 400 cm (L) × 300 cm (W)