Double-Sided Qashqai Gabbeh

214 x 158 cm (7' x 5' 2")
Persia, late 19th century
Condition: good, low pile in places, partially corroded brown, scattered small repairs, both kilim ends slightly damaged
Warp: wool, weft: wool, pile: wool

Early Gabbeh rugs are extremely rare, and we are especially pleased to present you with a double-sided example. The design is identical on both sides; only the color scheme differs. One might describe the light-colored side as a "summer rug" and the brown-red side as an "autumn rug."

The central medallion, with its attached diamond motifs, is, however, designed in nearly identical colors on both sides; only its border varies in color. The pattern is essentially derived from kilims, as we know them from the Qashqai and other South Persian tribes. An exemplary comparable piece can be found in "Vok Collection: Caucasus - Persia," Munich 1996, No. 104; Nos. 83 and 88 should also be consulted for comparison.

The colors of this extraordinary rug are of great beauty and harmony. The weavers working on either side of the loom naturally had to orient themselves by the pattern layout of the other weaver. This is particularly striking in the slightly "dancing" diamonds in the upper section: the small variations appear exactly mirror-inverted on both sides. It is precisely this detail that makes the creation process of the double-sided knotted rug immediately comprehensible.

A reciprocal crenellated border encloses the field; a comparable design can also be found in Vok No. 104. Writings have addressed both the defensive nature of these crenellated borders and the reciprocity of the pattern, which can also be interpreted as an invitation to cross the boundary. The result is a boundary line that, in a fascinating way, symbolizes both defensiveness and permeability.

Since Gabbehs were used, not least, as sleeping rugs, we are only too happy to accept the warm invitation of this magnificent piece.

Estimate: € 6000 - 8000