Afshar rug

The Afshar weaving tradition of south Persia offers a fascinating tribal interpretation of more formal Persian workshop weaving. The Afshar in the 19th century were nomadic pastoralists who grew wealthy through animal husbandry. Though nomadic tribal people, the Afshar had significant political influence and access to regional, Persian, and international markets. This piece draws on early 19th century compartment garden carpets from formal workshop weaving centers in central and Northwest Persia. Essentially, the Afshar tribal weaver has reinterpreted what would have been a large over-sized carpet, scaled down the design to fit a scatter size, and brought in her own unique sense of vivid color. A slight but distinctive neoclassical influence may be seen in this piece as well reflecting the international taste of the late 19th which permeated into Afshar weaving aesthetics.