2449 7' x 10'The term Gabbeh has its origins in Farsi, the official language of Iran; meaning simply "unclipped", it refers to a style of carpet created by the nomadic tribes that inhabit the mountainous regions of Southwestern Iran.
Characterized by a long pile and dense wool structure, Gabbeh carpets were originally used as tent floor coverings by the people of the Qashqai and Lori tribes, herding sheep in the fertile valleys of the Zagros Mountains.
The pronounced marbled affect often seen in the palette is achieved through the use of natural dyes, derived from local plants, husks and barks which are used to colour hand-spun wool, producing a rich patina and variegation to the overall tone.
2695 6'3" x 9'2"The harmonious effect of the dyestuffs is offset by the naïve and expressionistic designs, which are often characterized by animal, plant and figure motifs, sometimes rendered in spontaneous fashion, adding a whimsical feel to the composition. Much has been made of the cultural symbolism of the Gabbeh and they are certainly emblematic of the nomadic lifestyle held by these pastoral groups and the fertile landscape they inhabit.
With a combinaton of vibrant colours and simplistic, linear designs, Gabbeh carpets have a broad appeal and are often replicated in mass production outside of Iran, containing nothing of the quality or creativity of the original.
Recently we have begun to see a much finer version of the Gabbeh under the term Loribaft; with a greater density in the knotting, tightly clipped pile and more structure to the design, they are generally tailored towards the European and North American market, in keeping with arts and crafts settings or more contemporary environments.
