Persian Shiraz Qashquai Kilim (32mm461)

The Qashquai weave several types of rugs. A characteristic product can be recognized by its all-wool construction, heavy ribbing on the reverse, strong deep colours (particularly the red), and the use of traditional motifs such as the 'Hashing' or crab. Typically, the designs are geometrical with a row of three of five medallions down the middle of the rug, or in the centre and corners. The whole field is generally covered with small geometric motifs. Qashqai rugs average 70 to 170 knots per square inch. Though all traditional examples of Qashqai rugs have all wool construction including wool wefts and warps, newer village pieces may have cotton wefts and are generally more coarsely woven. The Qashquai are famous also for their artefacts: horse blankets, saddlebags, ropes, etc. The products of other tribes, such as the Khamseh and Lori, are often confused with those of the Qashquai.