A mixed-technique tribal runner from Persia (modern-day Iran), likely mid-20th century, most likely Qashqai or Kurdish. A knotted-pile medallion field gives way to wide flat-woven (kilim) bands at the ends:… Read more
A mixed-technique tribal runner from Persia (modern-day Iran), likely mid-20th century, most likely Qashqai or Kurdish. A knotted-pile medallion field gives way to wide flat-woven (kilim) bands at the ends: bold latch-hooked medallions on indigo, a brick-red star field, goat-hair fringe, and mostly natural dyes with a gentle abrash.
Rugs like this were woven by nomadic families on portable looms (often by the women) as much for their own tents as for trade; the blend of plush pile and flat kilim is a signature of pieces made for daily life. The hooked diamonds and eight-pointed stars are old protective symbols meant to turn away the evil eye, while the running-water zigzag in the end panel stood for life and good fortune.
