Cart is empty The history of Afshar carpets is deeply rooted in the traditions of the semi-nomadic Afshar tribe, known for their distinctive rug-making skills that have evolved over centuries.
Originating from Turkic tribes in Central Asia, the Afshar tribe migrated to Iran in the 11th century, settling primarily in the southern regions of Kerman and Yazd.
The Afshar rugs are characterized by their geometric patterns, featuring central medallions and corner pieces, with borders adorned with smaller motifs resembling stylized birds or animals.
These rugs reflect the tribe’s nomadic lifestyle and their close connection to the natural environment, incorporating symbols and motifs with specific cultural meanings, such as the ‘boteh’ or ‘paisley’ motif representing a leaf or bush.
Afshar rugs are renowned for their rich color palette, including hues of indigo, red, and brown derived from natural sources like madder root and indigo plants.
The Afshar tribe’s weaving techniques involve both Persian and Turkish knotting methods, resulting in dense, durable rugs made from hand-spun wool for both the pile and foundation.
Today, Afshar rug production continues in regions like Kerman and Yazd, maintaining traditional techniques and design motifs, making them highly sought after by collectors and rug enthusiasts worldwide for their unique aesthetic and superb quality.
Each Afshar rug carries the story of its creators, reflecting the tribe’s history, lifestyle, and artistic tradition, making it a valuable piece of Iranian culture and history.
The distinguishing features of Afshar carpets include their geometric patterns with large central designs featuring squared medallions, predominantly in red and blue color tones.
These carpets often have a large center piece with one or more squared medallions, symbolizing a hide stretched for preparation, and may also feature medallions that are relatively wide in relation to their length.
Afshar carpets are known for their geometrical patterns, with some variations containing tulip designs or chicken motifs, adding a unique and distinctive feature to the overall design.
Additionally, Afshar carpets typically have a knot density ranging from 120,000 to 250,000 knots per square meter, and they are woven using symmetrical knots, although asymmetrical knots can also occur.
The color palette of Afshar carpets commonly includes navy blue, red, ivory, and occasionally sky blue as the main field colors, contributing to their vibrant and visually appealing aesthetic.