Lori | 248 x 170 cm | Nr. 10981

Geometric Lori, dark blue with border and medallion

Origin

Lori rugs are a finer version of the Gabbeh, which was traditionally knotted by the Lurs. The Lurs are a tribal people in south-western Persia (also known as Loristan). Lori (or Luri) rugs are also referred to as Loribaft. The added syllable "baft" means roughly "knotted". Translated, Loribaft therefore means Lur knotting.

Lori rugs traditionally have inventive geometric patterns in colourful designs. Modern Loris are usually plainer these days, with monochrome designs. Even so, you still come across traditional, stylised and geometric motifs from everyday nomadic life, such as goats, camels, dogs, plants or people. The geometric pattern and the friendly colours create a pleasant, warm atmosphere at home.

Pattern

The abstract, geometric composition is what gives this Lori its understated elegance. The pattern flatters the design of the room and never draws attention away from the furniture, the décor and the architectural elements. It creates a pleasant atmosphere without dominating the style of the room.

The edge of the rug is graced by a surround (border). The border forms a wonderful contrast to the centre.

At the middle of this Lori's central field lies the symmetrical centre, also known as the medallion. The design of the field is subordinate to the medallion, so that the medallion seems to float on the field.

The surface of this Lori has a mottled look. The shifts in tone and the light-and-dark shading of the pile yarn make the colours shimmer and keep the rug forgiving when it comes to dirt. These so-called colour shifts, or abrash, make the rug look livelier. The mottling comes about because the wool of this Lori was hand-spun. During dyeing, the natural pigments are absorbed to differing degrees.

The background of this Lori is dark blue. The border is worked in curry and dark blue. In the cream white centre, rust red and curry are combined.

Material

This hand-knotted Lori rug has a dense, relatively high pile. The sheep's wool used for the pile of Lori rugs is particularly fine and rich in lanolin. Lori rugs are wonderfully cosy and hard-wearing. Traditionally, Lori rugs – just like Gabbeh – were used for sleeping on. They invite you to sit and lounge about in the living room, but they are also excellent for hallways and dining areas. The sheep's wool pile of Lori rugs is dyed with natural colours and spun by hand. That is what gives the Loris their soft surface. Hand-spun wool is always a little irregular. When it is dyed, the natural dyes are absorbed to differing degrees. The rug looks livelier for it, with so-called colour variations, or abrash – light-and-dark shading in the colours. The shifts in tone of the pile yarn always run across the length of the Lori and keep the rug from showing dirt. The foundation (weft and warp threads) of this Lori is made of new wool.