Persian Qashgai Sofreh Rug

The word sofreh is used in modern Persian and Turkish to denote a tablecloth. In terms of tribal weaving, sofrehs are small kilims woven for a family to sit around when eating on the floor of the tent. Traditionally they have a plain or very simply decorated ground, generally white in the sofrehs of the Qashqai and Bakhtiari, and red or purple in Afshar sofrehs. The reason for the plain ground is that the decoration is formed by the food which is placed on it. Nomadic food is simple: bread, tea, foraged herbs, and balls of dried yogurt. In recent generations it has become usual for a plain white cloth to be placed over the sofreh which will protect it from accidental staining, and perhaps as a consequence the ground of Qashqai sofrehs are now often filled with simple all-over patterns.

This a Qashqai sofreh. It is difficult to be specific with the age of these because they are generally woven by a bride to be as part of her dowry but can remain in a family for several generations. As noted above, more recent Qashqai sofrehs have all over patterning. The piece however does have some age, and might be fifty or sixty years old. The all over patterning is achieved by brocading threads sometimes over several rows of wefts. This forms a very delicate surface which would be totally unsuitable for a floor covering but appropriate for a piece like this which is not destined for wear. There is a small old repair which we have left as it is, as it forms part of the history of the rug. There is more brocaded decoration at the ends of the sofreh, and the edges have a simple and effective zigzag pattern.

Measures: 154 x 100cm

Courier/Postage cost arranged separately (an email will be sent following purchase). 

Europe delivery is possible, however please get in touch before purchase if you are further afield as delivery costs will be high.