Antique Gashgai / Qashqa’i Persian Rug 43424

Antique Qashqai’i, Persia, late nineteenth centuryAn allover field design of stylized Persian Boteh or paisley motifs in staggered array unfolds across the deep blue field of this striking antique Qashqai’i. Stepped soft red cornerpieces or spandrels filled with scattered floral motifs create the effect of a central medallion. The wide, soft blue-ground border has a pattern of ‘turreted’ and ‘chuval’ guls or medallions adapted from nomadic central Asian Turkoman rugs. The unified decorative aspect of the overall design testifies to the ability of Qashqai’i weavers to fuse motifs from various traditions into a pleasing, integrated whole.