Afshar rugs, originating from northeastern Iran, are the proud creations of the Afshar tribe. These people, with a rich history of nomadic life, have woven carpets for countless generations as an essential part of their livelihood. Now settled in the region of Afshar, their creations have become renowned additions to the family of Persian rugs, celebrated for their high durability.
A characteristic feature of Afshar rugs is their distinct red and blue colour palette, adorned with predominantly rectilinear patterns. The design diversity in these rugs is considerable, with occasional incorporations of rosette motifs amidst the otherwise linear designs. Depending on the creativity of the artisan, an Afshar rug may either boast a central medallion or carry a design spread across the entirety of its surface.
These rugs are particularly large in size and often traded under the name Sirdjan. The unique geometric elements of their design make them an ideal choice for modern interior styles. Notably, the Afshar tribe hails from near the city of Kerman in southern Iran and exhibits strong Turkish and Kurdish weaving influences in their rugs. Afshar rugs are truly unique, with no two rugs exactly the same - a testament to the tribe's tradition of creating individualised, personalised works of art. They also craft kilims, a type of flat weave rug, in two styles - a traditional woollen kilim and a durable Soumak (Soumac) Kilim, the latter having a cotton wrap and weft structure, offering strength and durability.
