One-of-a-kind

Afshar Shahre BabakHand KnottedRug

Black / Brown113 x 150 cm

The Afshar Shahre Babak rugs originate from the nomadic and semi-nomadic Afshar tribes of the Middle East. Historically, these tribes moved across the vast landscapes of the region, carrying their weaving traditions with them. The Shahre Babak region is particularly renowned for producing some of the most distinctive and highly sought-after examples of this craft.

The term Afshar refers to the tribal identity of the weavers, while Shahre Babak indicates the specific local style and weaving techniques employed. These rugs are known for their sturdy construction and the use of high-quality wool, often sourced from local flocks, which creates a lustrous, resilient pile that is built to endure.

Visually, these rugs are celebrated for their bold geometric patterns and vibrant colour palettes. Common motifs include stylized animals, birds, and intricate medallions, often arranged in a way that tells a story or represents the weaver's environment. The borders are typically filled with decorative elements that frame the central field, showcasing a mastery of symmetry and balance.

Owning an Afshar Shahre Babak rug is more than just acquiring a floor covering. It is an investment in a cultural legacy that has been passed down through generations. These pieces are highly valued by collectors for their authenticity, the skill required to produce them, and the unmistakable character they bring to a living space.

This rug is meticulously hand-knotted by skilled artisans. The process requires immense dedication, as every individual knot is tied by hand to build the structure of the rug. This traditional approach ensures a level of quality and resilience that simply cannot be replicated by machinery.

With a density of 160,000 knots per m2, the creation of this piece represents hundreds of hours of labour. This concentration of knots is what allows for the complex geometric and pictorial designs to be rendered with such clarity, while simultaneously creating a dense, long-lasting pile that resists wear.

The total weight of 4.2 kg, distributed over a size of 150 x 113 cm, is a testament to the generous amount of wool used in its construction. This weight indicates a substantial, well-made foundation that will maintain its shape and beauty for years to come.