Afshar Sirjan
Afshar Sirjan rugs are knotted by Afshar tribes around Sirjan and combine nomadic motifs with refined craftsmanship.
- Region
- Persia / Iran
- Category
- Nomad rugs
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Knot density
- 100,000 – 200,000 knots/m²
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- Iran — Sirjan, Kerman Province
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton
- Knot density
- 100,000 – 200,000 knots/m²
- Features
- Nomadic motifs, fine craftsmanship, vivid red-and-blue palette
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Afshar Sirjan rugs come from the area around the town of Sirjan in Kerman Province in south-eastern Persia. These rugs are knotted by the Afshar nomads, who historically migrated between various regions of Persia but have partly settled in the fertile plain around Sirjan. The town of Sirjan lies about 180 kilometres north-west of the provincial capital Kerman and is known for its agricultural production as well as the traditional rug-making of the resident Afshar tribes.
Characteristics
Afshar Sirjan rugs are distinguished by their characteristic geometric patterns and bold colours. Typical are medallion patterns with angular, stylised forms as well as borders with repeating geometric elements. The palette covers predominantly warm reds, deep blue, beige, and occasionally green. The patterns often show influences of the nomadic tradition with stylised flower, animal, and bird motifs. Particularly characteristic are the diamond-shaped medallions and the serrated borders. The rugs mostly have a dense, compact look with clear lines and high-contrast colour combinations.
Material and technique
Knotting traditionally uses the Turkish (Ghiordes) knot on a cotton or sheep's wool warp. The pile is high-quality sheep's wool yarn from local sheep flocks. Knot density typically lies between 100,000 and 200,000 knots per square metre. The weft is mostly cotton. The wool used is often glossy and of good quality, lending the rugs their characteristic feel. Dyeing was traditionally done with natural dyes; today high-quality synthetic dyes are also used.
Worth knowing
The Afshar nomads have a long rug-knotting tradition reaching back to the 16th century. Originally based in Azerbaijan, they were resettled by the Safavid rulers to various regions of Persia. The rugs made in the Sirjan region differ stylistically from other Afshar rugs through their specific colour combinations and adaptation to local conditions. The settled life around Sirjan allowed for a more refined knotting technique compared with traditional nomadic rugs.
Frequently asked questions
How do Afshar Sirjan differ from other Afshar rugs?
Afshar Sirjan rugs often have a higher knot density and finer execution than traditional Afshar nomadic rugs. The palette is mostly warmer, and thanks to the settled lifestyle of the knotters the patterns are often more symmetrical and detailed.
Are Afshar Sirjan rugs suitable for daily use?
Yes — these rugs are very hard-wearing thanks to their robust wool quality and solid knotting technique and well suited to daily use in living spaces. The dense structure makes them particularly long-lasting.
What sizes are Afshar Sirjan rugs made in?
These rugs are knotted predominantly in smaller to medium formats, typically between 120 × 180 cm and 200 × 300 cm. Runners and smaller formats are also widespread, while very large formats are rarer.
How do I recognise an authentic Afshar Sirjan rug?
Authentic pieces show the characteristic geometric patterns, a typical colour scheme of warm reds and blue, and an even, dense knotting. The back should display a clear pattern, and the fringes are usually firmly knotted in.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Afshar Sirjan rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
Related styles
Afshar
Afshar rugs are knotted by semi-nomadic tribes in southeastern Iran, blending nomadic motifs with refined craftsmanship.
Kerman
Kerman rugs from southeastern Iran are renowned for their elegant floral designs and refined color palette.
Qashqai
Qashqai rugs are knotted by the eponymous nomadic tribe in Fars Province and stand out with their distinctive medallion style.
