Persian Shiraz

The lovely and highly geometrically patterned textiles made by the Shahsavan tribe – a large group living a nomadic lifestyle in Northeastern Persia – are referred to as Shahsavan (Saveh) rugs. It was the Persian kings of the 17th century that resettled the Shahsavan tribes from their home in Central Asia, which accounts for the similarity in style between Shahsavan rugs and those developed by the Turkomans and tribes from Central Asia. A rectilinear medallion is arranged horizontally or vertically in the middle of the field, with smaller motifs – often improvised by the weaver – in the background. Larger rugs feature Turkish Memling guls, the Boteh pattern, latch or stepped hook medallions or small animal figures. (Runners, on the other hand, often present all-over pattern without a central medallion.) Although earth tones, including rust and beige, are common, colour can be a distinguishing characteristic of the Shahsavan, with lavender, deep pink or salmon tones used alongside soft blues. The wool is lustrous – handspun from local sheep and dyed naturally with vegetables and roots – and Shahsavan weavers use the Turkish knotting style, creating rugs that are tightly packed, beautifully symmetrical and are delightful underfoot.