Region of Fars carpets from this vast region are also called Shiraz carpets, after the name of the market where they were gathered for sale. In reality they were made by two large nomadic populations, the Ghashghaie and Khamesh, but since the characteristics of the carpets made by the two groups are so similar that one cannot be distinguished from the other with any certainty (in particular with 19^th century examples), they are usually referred to more generally by the by the name of the region. Almost always made with the asymmetrical knots, these carpets usually have central medallion layout with rhomboidal medallion, or a superimposed – medallions layout with several rhomboidal medallions. The field is most often covered by small geometric elements (various polygons, eight-pointed stars), plant motifs (Rosettes, Vines), or highly stylized animals such as the “hens” called “morghi”, which also appear in the Afshar nomadic carpets. The influence of Safavid art shows up in more articulated medallions and the introduction of several more composite decorative motive motifs, such as arabesques and floral vines, always translated in the geometric style. Characteristic and frequently encountered is the use of narrow borders. Superficial distinctions can be made between the carpets made by the region’s two nomadic groups. In general, Ghashghaie carpets display a greater tendency toward the curvilinear and more obvious preference for dark colours compared to the brighter colours and more linear style of the Khamesh carpets. Characteristic of both groups is the frequent appearance, in some what ingenuous and stylized forms, of the lion, an animal that once inhabited the area and that represents the symbolic attributes of strength and domination.

We host a handful of these beautiful carpets which can be visit in our store and online at: Shiraz Gabbeh Collection