Shiraz rugs come from the Fars province of southern Persia, the weaving territory of the Qashqai and Khamseh tribal confederations centered around the city of Shiraz. They are quintessential tribal rugs: geometric in design, bold in color, woven on portable looms by nomadic and semi-nomadic weavers using the wool of their own flocks. The typical Shiraz design features diamond or hexagonal medallions with hooked borders and highly stylized animal, bird, or botanical motifs filling the field and borders with a density and energy that workshop rugs rarely match.
The Shiraz and Shirazi rugs in this collection are hand-knotted in Afghanistan and Pakistan by weavers working in the Shiraz tribal tradition. They are produced in thick, lustrous wool pile with natural dyes, and their characteristic loosely spun wool gives them a texture and warmth that fine workshop rugs do not have. Knot densities are typically lower than workshop rugs — usually 60 to 120 knots per square inch — which gives Shiraz rugs their characteristic thick, springy pile and bold, slightly irregular pattern edges that are hallmarks of genuine tribal production.
Caring for a Shiraz rug follows the same basic principles as any hand-knotted wool rug. Vacuum regularly with suction only, rotate periodically to even out wear, and blot spills promptly. The thick wool pile of tribal Shiraz rugs is naturally resilient and forgiving of everyday use.
Shiraz rugs work well as bold accent pieces in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where strong colour and tribal character are wanted. Their geometric designs pair naturally with modern and eclectic interiors as well as traditional settings. Every piece in this collection is hand-knotted, one of a kind, and ships free worldwide. For related tribal styles, see our Gabbeh rugs, Baluchi rugs, and Kazak rugs.
