Fars Kilim
Fars kilims are flat-woven by Qashqai nomads in southern Iran and show vivid tribal motifs in a graphic style.
- Region
- Persia / Iran
- Category
- Kilim
- Manufacturing
- Hand-woven
- Knot density
- Flachgewebe (keine Knoten)
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-woven
- Origin
- Iran — Fars Province, Qashqai tribes
- Pile material
- Wool
- Knot density
- Flachgewebe (keine Knoten)
- Features
- Tribal motifs, vivid colors, graphic flat weave




Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → Fars comes from the eponymous province of Fars in southern Persia — present-day Iran. This historically significant region around the ancient city of Persepolis and modern Shiraz has been a centre of rug weaving for centuries. The region's nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes — including the Qashqai — traditionally wove flat kelims as practical floor coverings and wall hangings for their tents.
KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → weaving in Fars looks back on a centuries-old tradition closely tied to the nomadic lifestyle of the region. Unlike the better-known knotted Shiraz rugs from the same region, KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → Fars emerged primarily from practical considerations.
Characteristics
KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → Fars is distinguished by geometric patterns strongly shaped by tribal tradition. Characteristic are diamond patterns, hook borders, and stylised animal motifs. The traditional palette covers warm earth tones such as rust red, dark blue, brown, and natural wool tones, complemented by vivid accents in yellow or orange.
The patterns often follow a central medallion system or show all-over designs with repeating geometric elements. Diagonal stripe patterns and the strongly stylised "botehBotehTropfen- oder mandelförmiges Motiv mit gebogener Spitze — in Europa als Paisley bekannt. Stammt ursprünglich aus persischer Tradition.Read in glossary →" motifs typical of Persian nomadic rugs are also typical.
Material and technique
KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → Fars are made exclusively in flatweave technique, in which warp and weft are densely interwoven without knots. The main material is sheep's wool, used for both warp and weft. The wool mostly comes from local flocks and is traditionally dyed with natural colours.
The weave density is medium-fine to coarse, underscoring the robust character of these everyday rugs. The edges are usually reinforced by simple selvedges, often with characteristic fringes on the short sides. The back shows the same pattern as the front, but in reversed colours.
Worth knowing
KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → Fars belongs to the large family of Persian rugs and is also classified under Kelim. These rugs are made in the same region as the well-known knotted rugs from Shiraz, but differ fundamentally in production technique.
Their practical use as tent floor or wall hanging is reflected in the robust construction. Many KelimKelimFlachgewebe ohne Flor, bei dem Muster durch farbige Schussfäden erzeugt werden. Leichter und dünner als geknüpfte Teppiche.Read in glossary → Fars show slight irregularities resulting from their nomadic origin, valued as a mark of authenticity.
Frequently asked questions
How does Kelim Fars differ from other Persian kelims?
Kelim Fars stands out for the specific geometric patterns of the Fars region, strongly shaped by the tribal traditions of the Qashqai and other local groups. The colour scheme is typically warm and earthy — unlike other Persian kelims from more northerly regions.
Are Kelim Fars suitable for daily use?
Yes — Kelim Fars are very hard-wearing and designed for daily use. The dense flatweave and robust sheep's wool make them practical floor coverings that withstand heavier use.
How do I recognise an authentic Kelim Fars?
Authentic Kelim Fars show the typical geometric patterns of the Fars region, are woven from pure sheep's wool, and often show slight irregularities pointing to handcrafted origin. The characteristic palette of warm earth tones is another identifying mark.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Fars Kilim rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
Related styles
Senneh Kilim
Senneh kilims from Iranian Kurdistan are among the finest flat-woven rugs — exceptionally thin and finely worked.
Afghan Kilim
Afghan kilims are flat-woven by Turkmen and Uzbek weavers in northern Afghanistan and stand out with their geometric stripes.
Qashqai
Qashqai rugs are knotted by the eponymous nomadic tribe in Fars Province and stand out with their distinctive medallion style.


