Khamseh rug

Khamseh rug
from southern Persia
2nd half 19th century
Size: 200 x 124 cm

The Khamseh are a confederacy of five tribes who banded together in the 1860s purportedly to combat the might of the neighbouring Qashqa’i tribes. In the 19th century they produced rugs similar in character to those of the Qashqa’i. The overall palette was, however, somewhat darker and the warp material invariably brown undyed wool. A most beautiful and interesting example of old south Persian weaving exhibiting a marvellous palette of early natural dyes. The design incorporates just about every significant motif in the Khamseh repertoire in an arrangement of organised chaos.