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Qashqai Jajim — Persia, c. 1920
Rare Black and Cream
Striped Qashqai Jajim
Overview
Rarely does a tribal rug so deftly balance artistic magnetism and geometric precision with the plain simplicity of this antique Persian jajim.
This rug was woven by Qashqai tribeswomen more than 100 years ago in southwest Persia. Conventionally, these weavers are thought of as the most colorful weavers in Iran. Their rugs are typically alive with saturated reds, yellows, and blues arranged in bold diamond motifs, dizzying diagonal bars, or squat ‘brick’ designs.
The Iranian artist and scholar Parviz Tanavoli has described the Qashqai aesthetic as one in which “every possible color has been set in motion.”[1]Tanavoli, Persian Flatweaves (2002), pg. 179.
This piece defies that expectation. It draws subtle movement from an array of parallel stripes in alternating black and cream. The composition is framed by a lengthwise border of crimson and blood red stripes spaced with soft pistachio green.
Barnett Newman, Be II (1961–64). Acrylic on canvas.
On Rhythm and Depth
The rug pulses with rhythmic dynamism. Like the “zip” paintings of Barnett Newman, its apparent simplicity yields surprising depth through variations in hue and spacing.[2]See, for instance: Newman at Yale MAVCOR and Sotheby’s, Newman Untitled Etching.
Structure and Scale
Jajims are usually small and square weavings of a light hand used as floor coverings, blankets, or knapsacks. Rectangular zebra-stripe examples are not unknown, but they rarely exceed two meters in length.
Again, this example defies expectations. It is a rare room-sized jajim of considerable heft, composed of four panels woven on a narrow hand loom before being sewn into a coherent whole. Colorful tassels embellish the sides, as does a barber-pole selvedge edge.
Barnett Newman, The Fourth Station (1960). Oil on canvas. National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Rarity and Survival
Antique kilims and jajims in lighter colors are increasingly rare. Undyed handspun yarns such as those used here command a premium among restorers, who prize antique wool for use in sensitive repairs due to its higher quality and its capacity to absorb dyes. Less scrupulous hands have been known to unravel old flatweaves to harvest their wool, using it to fabricate “new old” carpets. That this example survives intact, in excellent condition, makes it all the more remarkable.
Condition and Use
Several faint tea stains and small restorations are among the only signs of previous use. Though woven more than 100 years ago, the fibers remain lustrous and intensely rich in hue. The rug will withstand heavy foot traffic, although a rug pad is recommended to prevent slipping. Care should be taken to avoid heavy soiling due to the light colors. The rug will complement any space in which dynamic rhythm is needed, although it is most naturally at home in contemporary interiors or rooms requiring an uplifting lightness.
Details and Specifications
Age |
c. 1920 |
Pile |
Flatweave |
Format |
Room Size |
Length |
335 cm (11 ft 6 in) |
Width |
205 cm (6 ft 8 in) |
Colors |
Cream, Black, Red, Green |
Materials |
Hand-spun wool—naturally dyed and undyed—on a wool foundation. Warp-faced construction, made of four panels sewn together as a jajim. |
Origin |
Persia (Iran) |
Group |
Ethnically Turkic members of the Qashqai tribal confederation of the Fars Province. |
Please refer to individual care instructions provided with the rug or contact us for more details.
- Ships free of charge via express parcel service.
- Risk-free returns as stipulated in our Refund Policy.