Introducing: The Zagros Mountains
The 12 Days of Christmas, Oriental Rugs Edition is all about introducing you to authentic Oriental rugs, and where they come from. We’re touring our favorite places in the world, and we’ll visit a new place. By the end of the 12 Days of Christmas, you’ll be the smartest cookie at the holiday party, talkin’ all about fine vintage rugs. Let’s go!
The Zagros Mountains
Why talk about the Zagros Mountains? Because that's where we think of when someone asks us about Gabbeh rugs. The Zagros Mountain range is nearly 1,000 miles long and runs from Iran's northwest border, all the way down to the Straits of Hormuz. The tallest peak in the mountain range is just shy of 15,000 feet. This is a place where lions roamed (up until extinction in the 19th century), and the earliest humans from the Paleothic era were found.
But what does this have to do with Gabbeh rugs? Good question. The most popular Gabbeh rugs are handmade by a tribe of people called Qashqai. These folks were traditionally nomadic and made their homes among the Zagros Mountains. However, you can find Gabbeh rugs in a variety of styles and cities around Iran, and the Qashqai are not the only weavers of this type of rug. In fact, its traditions vary from city to city. In Bakhtiari, the word literally means "bear cub" and traditionally, the Gabbeh is known as a sleeping rug! Funny, right?
A Rug Too Unique
Only in the last fifteen years or so, has the Gabbeh gained popularity. Gabbeh rugs were often shunned for being too coarse, too bright, and having too much variety within the style. Yet it’s for these very reasons that we love Gabbeh rugs! And we suspect we’re not the only ones!
Great For A Modern Pop Of Color
A Gabbeh rug is characterized by its coarse, hand-woven pile, and various abstract and tribal designs. These rugs often feature bright colors and playful geometric patterns. Gabbeh’s can be a great addition to a modern or contemporary room, and can often be used to add a pop of super interesting color.
Gabbeh rugs always have a thick, plush pile and they are extremely durable. They easily last for generations! Within the styles, there is great variety in the actual pattern and design you’ll find. Rug weavers are given the freedom to uniquely design each and every rug they make. If you decide to invest in a vintage Gabbeh, you can be confident there’s no other one quite like it. In fact, we’ve got over 100 to choose from right now!
So next time you're talkin' gorgeous modern rugs...
So next time, you’re talkin’ colorful modern rugs, look for something from the magnificent Gabbeh design, a style rich in history and overflowing with tradition.
And p.s.
We've got a crazy-good sale going on right now at Magic Rugs. Find your perfect piece and get it shipped home with a Free Premium Rug Pad and an Extra 10% Off . Did we already mention the Free Shipping to the continental U.S.?! And if you're a Magic Rug Rewards Member , you'll get extra rewards points for your purchase, too!
Happy Holidays From All Of Us At Magic Rugs!