Gabbeh rugs are beautiful additions to any room in your home. Initially woven for practical purposes by Iran’s nomadic peoples, they are now coveted for their beauty and durability.
The wool used to make a Gabbeh rug is hand-spuned and dyed. It gives the rug a rich, deep color and sheen. The yarn is also naturally durable and resistant to stains and dirt.
Colors
One of the reasons why Gabbeh rugs always stay in style is their beautiful color palette. Woven with lustrous, hand-spun wool, they are typically created in villages of settled tribal groups. As a result, modern Persian rugs might have more elaborate and detailed designs.
The weaver’s use of natural dyes creates a vibrant color palette. Authentic Gabbehs feature-rich, earthy hues of reds and browns, as well as blues and yellows, that result from the dyeing process.
They also boast abrash – the variegation of different colors within the same field that shows the rug is handmade. It makes them unique and artistic, capturing the weaver’s narrative and emotions.
Patterns
Gabbehs work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary spaces. Their versatility stems from their rich complexity that carries tribal stories that span generations.
These rugs are hand-spun and hand-knotted using Turkish symmetrical and Persian asymmetrical knots. Because of this, no two Gabbeh rugs are identical. It adds to their beauty and value as each rug reflects the personal expression of its weaver.
As a result, many Gabbehs feature figures and symbols that signify the weaver’s family lineage or ancestral identity. They also feature plain fields in harmonic tones. The result is a rug that can elevate any space without overpowering it. For example, a thoroughly modern room can benefit from adding a Gabbeh to accentuate the natural signature of the rug and create an effortless balance.
Styles
Gabbehs play well with many decor styles. They pair well with patterned throw blankets, textured pillows, and furniture in earthy tones. They also work well with natural elements like indoor plants and woven baskets.
The wool used in Gabbehs comes from the tribe’s sheep, herded hundreds of miles to reach different climatic environments and altitudes. The herders use all-natural vegetable dyes that give the wool a vibrant color while retaining its lanolin.
The motifs of the carpets reflect the weavers’ creativity and express their artistic spirit. They celebrate improvisation and the spontaneity of a nomadic life. They are truly one-of-a-kind pieces of art!
Materials
Gabbeh rugs are made from high-quality wool that’s washed, carded, and spun by hand. They also feature natural dyes, ensuring each rug is soft and durable.
These rugs work decor-wise in a variety of settings, including contemporary spaces. They’ve been used as rugs, tent walls, wraps, and prayer rugs.
The coarse weave and thick pile of a Gabbeh make them durable enough for moderate traffic areas. However, regular vacuuming and immediate treatment of spills are essential to preserve the color and appearance of your rug.
Sizes
Whether large or small, Gabbeh rugs can add warmth and comfort to any room. Their warm hues and rich texture complement classic and modern interior design ideas. Additionally, they offer effective sound attenuation for spaces with hard flooring.
Like quality Persian-style orientals, Gabbehs feature lush fields of background color that are less interrupted by figures than other types of rug designs. Both rugs boast “abrash” shading color-shading variations that show their handmade craftsmanship.
Value
Gabbehs are artisanal works that reflect the culture of the nomadic tribes who crafted them. They carry tribal stories that transcend time and evoke a sense of profound curiosity.
The wool used for Gabbeh carpets is often all-natural, from the Qashqai tribe’s sheep. These animals have herded hundreds of miles, reaching high altitudes during summer vacations in the Zagros Mountains and winter pasture lands. The herds’ movement helps their wool retain its natural lanolin, giving it a vibrant color that resists staining.
Vacuum your Gabbeh regularly to remove loose dirt and debris. Spills should be blotted rather than rubbed to prevent the fibers from absorbing liquid.
