Antique Khamseh Rug, circa 1870
338 x 182 cm (11' 1" x 6')
Persia, late 19th century
Condition: very good, low pile in places, minor small repairs
Warp: wool, weft: wool, pile: wool
A superb early tribal rug with classic motifs and rich southern Persian colours
This exceptional Antique Khamseh rug, woven around 1870, is a beautifully preserved example of the artistry of the Khamseh Confederation of southern Persia. Renowned for their dynamic designs, deep colour palettes, and expressive tribal symbolism, the Khamseh are especially celebrated for rugs featuring bird motifs—a hallmark strongly represented in this piece.
The field is filled with a wonderfully complex mosaic of stylized birds, small animals, rosettes, and geometric blossoms, arranged in rhythmic repetition across a deep indigo ground, reflecting both the pastoral life of the tribes and the creative individuality of the weaver.
At the centre runs a series of medallions, each finely drawn and filled with characteristic ornamentation. These medallions anchor the composition while allowing the surrounding patterns to flow freely and densely—a balance often seen in the finest 19th-century Khamseh works.
The rug’s palette—featuring deep indigo, madder red, terracotta, ivory, and soft sky blue—is both traditional and remarkably vibrant, showing the quality of the natural dyes used over 155 years ago.
Woven in lustrous hand-spun wool on a wool foundation, this rug has aged beautifully and remains in excellent condition for its age. Its lively drawing, rare early date, and abundance of traditional motifs make it an exceptional choice for collectors, enthusiasts of tribal textiles, or anyone seeking a striking and culturally rich decorative rug.
A superb and highly desirable 19th-century Khamseh tribal rug, full of movement, character, and historic charm.