Antique Qashqai Rug

Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: Qashqai
Dimensions: 182 x 250 cm

This rare late 19th century Persian Qashqai rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a dense all over “Mahi” or Herati inspired floral lattice anchored within a luminous ivory cream hexagonal field. This structural balance between the expansive, light toned central ground and the deep sapphire blue corner spandrels reflects the pinnacle of the Qashqai nomadic weaving tradition in Southwest Persia. Rugs of this antiquity and technical fineness are world renowned for their ability to translate sophisticated urban Persian aesthetics into a bold, semi nomadic geometric language.

The color palette is masterfully balanced featuring a primary ivory field that serves as a dramatic canvas for high contrast shifts of madder red, midnight indigo, and golden saffron. These rich and enduring tones, achieved through the expert application of natural dyes over 130 years ago, exhibit a chromatic strength and a saturated depth that are hallmarks of the finest late 19th century Shiraz region tribal productions. The inclusion of a wide madder red primary border decorated with a rhythmic sequence of intricate floral rosettes and serrated leaf motifs creates a precise visual frame that highlights the superior wool quality and the distinctive technical finesse of the Qashqai weavers.

Structural analysis indicates the use of premium hand spun local wool with a characteristically fine clipped pile and a firm, resilient handle. The exceptional clarity of the angular outlines specifically the minute details within the floral lattices and the precisely executed geometric guard borders and the presence of significant, harmonious abrash throughout the red and blue sections definitively distinguish this antique masterpiece as an authentic late 19th century Qashqai. Ultimately, this rug stands as a premier example of Persian tribal art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global textile collectors.

Stock No : 1538

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