Ghashghai | 297 x 208 cm | Nr. Z-3439

Ghashghai

Delivery time	2 days
Origin	Persia
Dimensions	297 cm x 208 cm (= 6.18 m²)
Construction	hand-knotted
Material	Pile: wool
knots	120.000
Condition	pre-owned and cleaned
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

Origin

The Ghashghai are the great Persian nomadic people and have lived in the south of Iran, in the province of Fars, for centuries. They are made up of seven tribes in all. The most important tribe of the Ghashghai – at least as far as rug making goes – are the Kashghuli (also Kaschguli, Kashguli, Qashguli). Old and antique Ghashghai rugs are sought-after collectors' pieces today. Ghasghai rugs are known as the king among Persian nomadic rugs.

A large share of Ghashgai rugs is adorned with the so-called geometric Heibathlou pattern: a diamond-shaped central field with a rather plain medallion that is repeated in the corners. The inner field is filled with an unusually large number of ornaments. The motifs range from stars, lions and camels to trees, blossoms and boteh or paisley symbols. Some motifs are stylised, others rendered true to life. The frequently repeated motifs are never entirely alike. They differ considerably in their colouring. The symbols are rarely arranged symmetrically. Symmetry along the length is often ignored. The individual elements in the borders, too, alternate in different colours. Small rows of little boxes at the ends of the rugs are typical. The variation in the pattern comes from the fact that the Ghashgai had no knotting templates: every rug was knotted from memory and filled with interesting motifs.

By now most Ghashghai have settled down. It is only because they have largely become settled that the Ghashghai can also make rugs in large formats. The few clans still living as nomads head up to the summer pastures in the Zagros Mountains twice a year. In autumn they return to the milder winter quarters down in the valley. The Ghashghai have a reputation for being especially proud, hard-working and honourable. Even though the Ghashghai come across as less wild and warlike today, they still have an influence on Iranian domestic politics that shouldn't be underestimated.

Material

The pile of this Ghashghai was hand-knotted from high-quality new wool. New wool is obtained by shearing sheep gently. It is a renewable, natural raw material with a number of impressive qualities: thanks to the natural lanolin in the wool, the surface repels drops of water and is therefore naturally protected against dirt. Wool also insulates extremely well, has a regulating effect on the indoor climate and absorbs sound.

The foundation (weft and warp threads) of this Ghashghai is made of new wool.

Condition

You aren't the first to take a liking to this Ghashghai. It has had owners before you who valued and used it. It was knotted around 76. It has been thoroughly cleaned and is in good but unrestored condition. The fringes could do with a repair. The edges are damaged in places. The pile is worn in places. We have left this Ghashghai unrestored because we feel it has a special presence exactly as it is. If you would prefer otherwise, we are of course happy to restore the rug for you. Either way, this Ghashghai will give you pleasure for decades to come.