The label “Gabbeh” is often applied to a broad spectrum of colorful hand-knotted rugs. Most have simple geometric designs, without the fine detail of more formal carpets. Until recently, unlike other Persian rugs, Gabbeh rugs were usually intended for local use. There are mentions of Gabbeh rugs in scripts as early as the 16th century. Yet experts speculate that the tradition of this free form weaving dates back to the beginnings of carpet knotting about three thousand years ago.

The word Gabbeh comes from Southern Iran, and roughly translated, means “bedding”. They were and still are woven for nomadic use to cover their tent floors. Like everything else in their daily use, their bedding had to be easy to transport as they changed location with each season. Presently the weavers of Gabbeh carpets are considered semi-nomadic, living in villages and migrating in the summer to higher elevation pastures. The need for grass for their livestock determines their life.

Gabbeh weavers are usually women, and are always enthusiastically creating new masterpieces inspired by the landscape and family occurrences around them. Their unfettered and unrestricted way of life is reflected in their designs. The often daring color compositions and impromptu irregularities are their fascinating trademark. Gabbeh rugs are woven in the hoe of the weavers, not in factory workshops. One 8x10 rug takes three weavers approximately five months to complete.

We are thankful to one particular south Persian family who has, in their great vision, encouraged the revival and preservation of this great weaving tradition, and introduced it to the West, where Gabbeh rugs are now welcomed with great enthusiasm and acknowledgment of their great quality and history. All the patterns are free-style creations of these gifted artisans, making each rug a unique piece of art.

One can see in the patterns a wonderful continuation of ancient shape and color arrangements reassembled in a way distinctly recognizable to our time. The combination of the best rug wool available, yarns masterfully dyed with vegetable pigments, and the delicateness of the designs creates a rug of a quality level not seen since the late 19th century.

Currently the Zollanvari family, who acts as the coordinators of this amazing weaving project, employ about 8,000 weavers scattered along the Zagros mountains. The Zollanvaris commit themselves to the highest standards in quality of workmanship, materials, and fair labor practice. We are proud to represent them exclusively in Portland.

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