 Gabbeh rugs are produced by the nomadic Qashqai tribal people who live around Shiraz in the southern part of Iran. The Qashqai are pastoral nomads who tend to their herds of sheep and goats that produce the excellent fiber used in the wool rugs that they weave. The word Gabbeh literally means unclipped and refers to the weave. Gabbeh rugs are usually flat woven from high quality local wool with loose piles and are very thick, soft, and luxurious to the touch. Skilled artisans ply their trade using Turkish knots and rugs can have up to 100 knots per square inch.
Gabbeh rugs are an exercise in exquisite simplicity. Each one is a totally unique one-of-a-kind work of art with no design being reused. The geometric patterns feature a very plain yet distinctive design with one or two small figures. All of the patterns on Gabbeh rugs are extremely simple and geometric. Birds and people may appear in newer rugs. The designs on Gabbeh wool rugs are completely uncluttered with large fields, bold stripes and geometric human or animal shapes. The color palette is very harmonious in soft greens, light blue, and khaki. Newer Gabbeh rugs may feature bolder shades of red, yellow, and ivory.
Gabbeh rugs are renowned for their superb quality of materials and craftsmanship and their durability. The warps and wefts are both wool. Although look-a-like Gabbeh rugs are produced in Pakistan, India, China, and Turkey, their quality cannot be duplicated. Gabbeh rugs are available in a variety of sizes, although the majority of them are small. The magnificent simplicity of design lends itself to a more modern and contemporary décor. Gabbeh rugs are a favorite among those with eclectic tastes and for those who believe that “less is more”.
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