Ghashghai Rugs


Ghashghai nomad carpets in typical colours

Facts
Type Persian Rugs
Location Southwest of Iran (former Persia)
Typical Knot Density 90.000 - 200.000 knots / sqm
Characteristics Characterized by plants, animals and ruins of ancient Persepolis

In the south of Isfahan live the Ghashgai (Ghaschgai) nomads, who are well known for their carpet production. The nomads move twice a year. They have a summer camp in the Sagros mountains and one in the Persian gulf in winter. The reason for their tours are their large herds of sheep and goats for which they need sufficient space and food. The Ghashgai use their own wool for the production of carpets, which belong to their everyday objects. The carpets are used in a variety of applications. As a wall tapestry or as a carpet for the floor of tents. The Ghashgai wear round hats and colourful robes. In addition to goats and sheep, they keep donkeys, horses and dogs that make their work easier and support them on their travels.

Persian rugs of the Ghashgai can be recognized by their typical red-brown color. The practical colouring is not sensitive to dirt. The carpets are decorated with various motifs. Whether animals, plants, flowers or trees - the whole world of the Ghashgai can be found in the carpet's design. People in stylized form can also be found. In addition to these everyday patterns, there are also those inspired by frescoes and columns of Persepolis. The ancient capital of Persia at the time of the Achmenids serves here as a motif. Usually the motifs are knotted on a basic pattern of a hexagon or of diamond-shaped medallions. There are also those with round middle medallions (Hebatlu pattern, named after a Ghashgai tribe).

A special feature of Ghaschgai carpet production is the production on horizontal looms. Once a part of the carpet has been knotted, the knotters sits on it to finish the carpet. Nowadays, however, not only nomads produce Ghashgai carpets, but also settled nomads. The style is hardly different.

The material used for the Ghashgai rugs is of natural origin. From sheep hair to goat hair to horsehair, everything the nomads can produce themselves is used. The colours also originate from nature. The low knotting density of up to 180,000 knots per square metre is not a sign of poor quality, but of less time-consuming production and less detailed workmanship. While fewer and fewer Ghaschgai nomads remain, the commercial influence on their carpets is increasing. Nevertheless, they are robust carpets that meet high quality standards. Due to their rough design, they are also suitable for rooms that are frequently entered.


Examples of this Type


These rugs have been provided from an assortment of over 650 Ghashghai rugs by Nain Trading from Hamburg. Hamburg, Germany is still the most important hub for the trade of oriental rugs in the Western World with Nain Trading offering one of the largest assortments of handmade oriental carpets worldwide.



Impressions

Nomadenkarawane durch die WüsteNomads on their journey through the desert in Iran


Location - where do you find Ghashghai nomads?

Persian Gabbeh carpets are knotted by Ghashghai nomads from the province of Fars in the southwest of Iran.





Categories of Persian Rugs


Abadeh
Robust Persian rugs, characterised by their hexagonal centre medallion.
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Ardebil
Robust Persian rugs that are ideal for everyday use and affordable at the same time.

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Afshar
Knotted by former nomads with straight-line patterns, today very popular again.
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Bakhtiar
Garden motifs from Persian gardens, for which these rugs are known and appreciated.
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Bidjar
Rugs knotted in Kurdish style and known for their firm pile.

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Gabbeh
Simple and elegant – probably the most famous nomad rugs from Iran.
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Ghashghai
Typically knotted in reddish brown colours and on horizontal looms.
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Qom
Rugs that stand for luxury and are especially known for their natural silk.
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Hamadan
Different colours and patterns come from the Hamadan region.
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Heriz
Large elaborate central medallions can be found on these rugs.
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Isfahan
Some of the finest rugs come from Isfahan. Also collectors find a highly valuable piece here.
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Kerman
Floral patterns from one of the once most highly regarded rug regions.
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Kashan
Rugs with an excellent reputation and a far-reaching tradition.
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Koliai
Robust and strong, these carpets were knotted by Kurds in Iran.
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Mashhad
Different designs, which originate from the probably holiest place of Iran.
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Moud
Popular for the garden motifs or the well-known Herati pattern.
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Nahavand
Typically, these rugs are kept in red and blue.

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Nain
They belong to the finest rugs and are known for their striking design.
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Senneh
Rugs with mostly geometric patterns from the provincial capital of Kurdistan.

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Shiraz
Typical nomadic carpets from the old Shiraz among the ancient ruins of Persepolis.
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Tabriz
Well-known rugs with central medallion in different levels of quality.
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