Antique Khamseh Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Khamseh
Dimensions: 128 x 200 cm

This rare late 19th century antique Khamseh tribal rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic composition featuring a dense all over “boteh” (paisley) pattern rendered in vibrant madder red and golden ochre. The structural balance between the diagonal rows of large, detailed boteh motifs and the luminous sky blue field reflects the pinnacle of the Southwest Persian nomadic weaving tradition. The Khamseh Confederation, a group of five diverse tribal units, is world renowned for its creative synthesis of Persian, Arabic, and Turkic design elements, resulting in textiles of exceptional graphic complexity.

The color palette is masterfully balanced, featuring a primary sky blue ground that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of terracotta red, midnight indigo, and ivory. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes, exhibit a chromatic strength and saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest 19th century Khamseh productions. The inclusion of a complex, multi layered border system including a primary dark indigo border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of colorful geometric rosettes creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and distinctive technical finesse of the tribal weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of robust handspun local wool with a characteristically resilient handle and a fine, even pile. The exceptional clarity of the intricate detailing within each boteh and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash within the blue and red sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece from later commercial examples. Ultimately, this Khamseh rug stands as a premier example of South Persian tribal art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 2241

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