Figures in Rugs

in

It’s in the Detail

One of the joys of antique rugs is the unexpected discovery of random figures hidden in the often complex designs. This can come in the form of an animal, person or even a random household item (as seen in the Samovar below which took me several weeks to notice!) and hints at a playfulness on the part of the weaver.

Weaving figures into rugs has a long tradition in many areas, especially nomadic tribes such as the Qashqai of south west Persia as well as many of the antique rugs woven in the Caucasus mountains of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Ultimately, the interesting point is that, through personality and humour, this creates a connection across time, geography and culture between the weaver and the owner of the rug.

Here are a few of my favourite examples, both past and present.

Antique Persian Sarouk Rug circa 1900. Please click here for more info.

Antique Persian Sarouk Rug circa 1900. Please click here for more info.

Vintage Afghan Belouch ‘War Rug’

Vintage Afghan Belouch ‘War Rug’

Balouch

The Balouchi tribes that straddle north-east Persia and Afghanistan have a long history of weaving figures in their rugs and this is an interesting example of rugs woven during the Soviet occupation of the 1980’s. Usually limited to war paraphernalia such as tanks, planes and Kalashnikovs, this rug is unusual because of the human figures - this would indicate that it was woven for an important tribal family.

Antique Persian Khamseh Rug

Antique Persian Khamseh Rug

Antique Persian Tehran Rug

Antique Persian Tehran Rug

Antique Persian Qashqai Rug

Antique Persian Qashqai Rug

Antique Persian Qashqai Rug

Antique Persian Qashqai Rug

Antique Caucasian Lesghi Rug

Antique Caucasian Lesghi Rug

Antique Persian Bidjar Rug

Antique Persian Bidjar Rug

Antique Caucasian Rug

Antique Caucasian Rug

Khamseh

The Khamseh is a confederation of five tribes in the province of Fars in southwestern Iran. They are renowned for their rug weaving which often include figures such as this example woven circa 1890 with a multitude of chickens. For more information on this particular piece, please click here.

Antique Tehran Rug

Finer rugs such as this antique Tehran also have a long history of weaving figures in their rugs, especially from the cities of Isfahan, Qum, Tabriz and Tehran. Many of these are either ‘hunting scene’ or ‘tree of life’ designs. I don’t see many with elephants though! Please click here for more information on this rug.

Qashqai

The Qashqai are a nomadic tribe from south-west Iran who often include small figures in their rugs, such as this example woven circa 1900 with numerous birds, animals and figures (including this lady with a particularly funky skirt) throughout the field. Due to the fact that the weavers don’t work to set designs, these are often highly stylised and naive but utterly charming. For more information on this piece, please click here.

Qashqai (again!)

In the interests of equality, here is what is obviously a Qashqai man!

Caucasian Rugs

Antique Caucasian rugs have become highly collectible over the years and often have bold geometrical designs which often include figures. This example is an antique Lesghi rug, woven circa 1920 with two naive dogs looking like they are guarding the rug! - for more information on this piece, please click here.

Antique Bidjar

Size isn’t everything! Sometimes the more interesting discoveries are the small ones that are not immediately apparent, like this tiny bird in the field of this 1920’s Bidjar rug. Please click here for more information on this piece.

Another Caucasian!

Possibly my favourite example ever! This rug was woven in the Caucasus mountains of Azerbaidjan circa 1920. In a medallion of numerous birds there is a solitary and quite random camel! I can just imagine the weaver chuckling to herself!