Afshar Rugs

The Afshari are the predominant tribal group of Kerman Province, of Southern Persia. Their rugs, Afshar Rugs are interesting and characterful.

History

Ancestrally, the Afshari are from the Azerbaijan region and were exiled to the distant Kerman Province (indeed, there are also Afshar people in the Bidjar area) sometime during the Sixteenth Century by Shah Tahmasp (AD. 1514-1576).

Nowdays, the Afshari are mainly settled into villages whilst only a few maintain the nomadic way of life.

Rugs

Prior to the 1930s wool was used for the warp and weft threads, since then cotton has become the favoured base material.

The squarish proportion in which these rugs are made is a distinctive feature; typical sizes are approximately 1.50×1.20m/1.80×1.50m, etc.

The designs used in Afshari rugs are attractive. There is an interesting variety. There are rugs that have rustic geometric tribal patterns (that are quite reminiscent of Caucasian Rugs) and some Afshari Rugs are clearly inspired by the urban works of the nearby city of Kerman.

Because of their tribal heritage, the Afshar also produce Kilims, Sofrehs, and bags.

The Oriental Rug Merchant, 11 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1UL, UK

Specialists in handcrafted Traditional Rugs, Oriental rugs, Persian Rugs, Afghan Rugs in South East England serving Kent, Sussex, Surrey, London and the whole of the UK.

01892 533080

enquiries@theorientalrugmerchant.co.uk