Item Ref
BM/Gabbeh
I love the bold depiction of large diamond-shape lozenges in this spectacular little Gabbeh, made by the Kashkuli taifeh of the Qashqa'i Confederacy circa 1880.
Gabbehs from this period, in this full-pile condition, are rare. Not only that, but the small size is extremely unusual. The soft, lustrous, saturated natural-dye wool quality too is fabulous.
During the 19th century, gabbehs were made quickly on ground looms and often quite coarsely knotted. Their purpose was purely as everyday floor coverings in the black tents, with the finer more intricately knotted rugs kept aside for special occasions. Thus gabbehs were heavily used and when worn out, simply discarded!
Today, few 19th century gabbehs like this one survived and have thus become very collectable.
Size: 1.40m x 1.04m (4' 7" x 3' 5").
£3,850