Green ground Qashqa’i rug
Qashquli tribe
Southern Persia
circa 1880
222 x 138 cm (7’3” x 4’6”)
l 123
asymmetrically knotted wool pile open to the left on a wool foundation

The carpets of the Qashqa’i confederacy often show a clear inspiration towards the Indian weavings of the Moghul period. This rare and refined emerald green ground example, attributed to the Qashquli tribe, is characterised by a repeat pattern of elaborately drawn boteh constructed to show its floral origin, with each element containing a smaller blossom. The border composed of trifoliate plants flanked by a pair of birds adds another touch of uniqueness to the composition, a further indication that it may have been committed for a special occasion.