Khorjin Shiraz - Khamseh. Persia. Circa 1900. 60 X 54 Cm

The Khamseh belong to one of the major tribal confederations of southwestern Persia, whose traditional textile productions possess a particularly endearing identity. Settled mainly in the Fars region, around Shiraz, these nomadic peoples have developed remarkable expertise in the production of rugs, saddlebags, and various textiles for everyday use. This Khorjin rug, dating from around 1900, bears witness to this tradition and to the richness of the region’s historic craftsmanship.

The appeal of this piece lies as much in its composition as in the character of its colors. The geometric motifs are arranged with the freedom characteristic of nomadic creations, where the repetition of forms never precludes subtle variations. The piece as a whole possesses a striking decorative presence, enhanced by the density of the knotting and the depth of the colors. These compositions, passed down from generation to generation, reflect a textile language through which each weaver could express her own sensibility.

The construction also merits our attention. The front is made using a knotted stitch, while the back features a two-tone flat weave of great graphic simplicity. This combination of techniques served a very specific purpose: to provide a durable and decorative surface on the visible side, while maintaining the flexibility necessary for the bag’s daily use. This is a particularly interesting detail that allows us today to appreciate the piece in its entirety.

Khorjin Khamseh – Persia
Woven and knotted wool on wool
Circa 1900
Dimensions: 60 × 54 cm
Perfect condition

Choosing an antique rug or textile is often a matter of serendipity.
If one of our pieces catches your eye, or if you’d like more information or photos, I’d be happy to discuss it with you.

Laurent Consul
Beauty of Kilims
06 42 61 73 46