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This unusual gelim is reminiscent of “Navajo” weaving. It is attributed to Shahsavan weavers in the area close to Bijar and north of Hamadan. The gelim is woven on cotton warps with a mix of cotton and wool wefts. Typically, gelims of this area are long and narrow. This one...

This long elegant antique runner appears to have been hung horizontally by one of its previous owners. By colour, design and weaving technique it appears to be Anatolian in origin. It has small repairs in some areas so would perhaps best be used as a decorative piece. Identifier: 206 Size:...

This long runner was purchased in Teheran in 1978. It originates from the Saveh-Qazvin region, likely the weaving of the Shahsavan tribe. The design is known locally as palang or leopard. The bright orange colour has bled slightly in places. Identifier: 150 Size: 3.4 ft x 16.0 ft [100 cm...

This bold Caucasian gelim with deep blue and brown colour against madder red waspurchased in Teheran in 1979. This gelim reflects the practice of deliberately sun-fading newly made carpets to tone down the bright dyes. In this case only one side was exposed, leaving the reverse a stronger red. Identifier:...

This flatweave storage bag (or “juval”) is typical of the work of the Kurds of Khorasan. It is generally in good shape but has some damage on the reverse side that could be easily stabilized. It could be used as a floor or day bed cushion as well as wall...

This striking gelim is made by the Kurds from the Qouchan area in northeast Iran. It was purchased in Teheran in 1978. Qouchan gelims are characterized by narrow horizontal bands containing many different patterns. They are woven with extra-weft patterning, have an embroidered appearance and are often darker and thicker...

This colourful and nicely worn gelim was purchased in Teheran in 1977. It is a typical example of the regional weaving around Saveh and is possibly Shahsavan in origin. The gelim is woven on cotton warps with liberal use of white cotton as accent. There is some abrash throughout the...

This newer Kurdish gelim was purchased in Teheran in 1979. It represents traditional Senna (now Sanandaj) design woven on cotton warps. The production of gelims in Sanandaj has increased over the past 25 years due to demand and the resulting products are gelims while practical in size, use less traditional...

This old Yamut storage bag (juval) is one of a pair. Its colour and design are typical of Yamut tribal weaving. It was purchased in Teheran in 1980. Identifier: 376/377 Size: 2.9 ft x 3.8 ft [87 cm x 116 cm]

This gelim was purchased in the Qazvin bazaar in 1977. It appears to be quite old and has quite a bit of wear with patches of repair. Its charm is the so-called “eye-dazzler” design, usually attributed to Varamin, and its pale palette. The gelim is woven on cotton warps with...

This strikingly beautiful antique room-sized Turkoman gelim from the Yamut tribe was purchased in Teheran in 1978. It is deep red madder in colour with white cotton highlights. The extra-weft patterning on the borders is complemented by additional patterning on the end panels. Identifier: 111 Size: 7.1 ft x 12.1...

The term Zarand is a generic title given to textiles from Zarand itself but also from the rug-producing regions of Qazvin and Saveh. This gelim is made by the slit tapestry technique which makes it essentially reversible. One side appears to have been sun bleached and is mellower in colour....

This attractive runner originates in the area around Zarand village, south-west of Teheran. Zarand is a generic name for gelims made in this area. The foundation warps are wool, with weft weaving creating an elementary tooth-like distinctive pattern. There is some wear and creases but the gelim is in good...

Located in north-west Iran in Azarbaijan Province, gelims from the Meshkin area are generally considered Caucasian in origin, i.e. the product of Turkic tribes. Azarbaijani weavers have a long history of weaving and use a variety of techniques. This loft-size gelim, purchased in Teheran in 1979, is woven on wool...

The end panels of this lively gelim with its rows of weft patterning and the rug’s strong palette attest to its Qashqai origins. There are interesting woven artifacts here and there in the main field. This gelim was purchased in Cairo in 1980. Identifier: 255 Size: 3.9 ft x 13.1...

Purchased in Teheran in 1977, this old slitweave gelim is typical of the weaving of the Bijar Kurds. There is some speculation that this type of slightly Baroque design may have been inspired by European rugs. This small gelim is finely woven on cotton warps and would look great on...

This is an outstanding example of the work of the Kurds of Khorasan province. It is quite light and pliable and suggests some age. The weft wrapping pattern is well balanced throughout the field and the use of pale yellow gives the gelim a lighter appearance than is usual from...

This extra weft patterned gelim is attributed to the area of Khalat Naderi in Khorasan province and is likely the product of Kurdish tribes in that region. It has lots of variety and colour in the main field and some interesting tassels in the side borders. It was purchased in...

Although this gelim is attributed to the Kurds of north-east Iran, it is woven in two halves andcould very well be the work of a semi-nomadic group who live in the Qala-e-nou region ofAfghanistan. They are also noted for using cherry red and gold in their weavings. Note theadditional design...

This is a fine example of more recent but fine Qashqai weaving. Newer dyes are used in an experimental fashion without appearing harsh in colour. It is finely woven on brown wool warps and was purchased in Teheran in 1980. Identifier: 291 Size: 4.6 ft x 7.6 ft [140 cm...

This finely woven area gelim is typical of the weaving of the Bijar Kurds in the areaaround the market town of Sanandaj (formerly Senneh), the capital of Kurdistan. There is considerable evidence of influence from Kashmiri textiles in these works. Senneh gelims are quite different technically and aesthetically from gelims...

The strong burnt orange in this runner with weft wrapping and cotton warps is difficult to attribute. I suspect it is from the North-East. This gelim was purchased in Teheran in 1979. It is sturdily woven with a lovely palette. Identifier: 353 Size: 3.6 ft x 8.2 ft [110 cm...

This straightforward solidly-woven and sturdy gelim is attributed to the Zarand area south-west of Teheran. Rows of extra weft pattern liven up the field. Woven on cotton warps, this loft-size gelim was purchased in Teheran in 1979. Identifier: 210 Size: 5.2 ft x 13.0 ft [158 cm x 395 cm]...

This striking gelim is attributed to the Zarand region. It is woven on cotton warps,without a border pattern and with bold stripes interspersed with curved weft design which breaks up thefield at regular intervals. It was purchased in Teheran in 1979. Identifier: 219 Size: 4.9 ft x 11.0 ft [150...