Afshar rugs

Afsharis a handwoven rug style produced by the TurkicAfshar tribe,a semi-nomadic group principally located in the mountainous areas surrounding the modern region ofIranian Azerbaijan.An additional population of Afshar tribes-people is located in theKuchanarea inRazavi Khorasan Provinceof Iran and city ofKerman.Carpets in the Afshar style are known for their stylized floral geometric designs, tribal artistry, and a characteristic palette of rust and blue color tones.

History

Since theSafavidperiod, the Turkic tribal group Afshar migrated from their origins in Central Asia to settle inIranian Azerbaijan,Azerbaijan republic,andEastern Turkey.This background has led to the inclusion of regional influences on Afshar weaving, resulting in a distinctive aesthetic that incorporates elements of several village and nomadic Persian rug styles, as well as Southern Persian design influences.Caucasian ruginfluences are also strongly felt.

Design

Afshar bag

Antique Afshar rugs from the 19th century are characterized by their quality of craftsmanship and wool. Colors are saturated: deepindigo,carnelian,saffronandochretones predominate. While complex repeating all-over designs are prevalent, Afshar weavers also drew upon Southern Persian carpet imagery, withbotehmotifs, shrub and occasionally "Tree of Life"compositions also encountered. Kurdish influences are evident in angular medallion format rugs, as well as in the general spontaneity encountered in several original flower and bird designs.

Afshar rugs are usually found in the area size format, ranging in size from 3 ft x 4 ft to 4-5 ft x 7 ft. Larger room size pieces are seldom encountered.Longer corridor carpets (5 ft x 10 ft) are occasionally found, as are the small mats andbag facesconsistent with their nomadic tribal heritage.