Afshar Rugs: History, Style and Characteristics of Persian Masterpieces
©2025 Shahmansouri, All rights reserved
The origins of the Afshar people and their textile tradition
Afshar carpets are an expression of the textile art of one of the oldest tribes of Turkmen origin. According to historical sources, the Afshar settled in Persia around the 13th-14th century, during the great migrations of Turkic-Mongol peoples. Initially nomadic, these tribes settled in various areas, including Lake Urmia and, later, the southern regions of Persia, such as Shiraz and Kerman.
In the 16th century, under the Safavid dynasty, the Afshar were partly deported and integrated into the areas where they settled, but they kept their artisanal traditions alive, including the production of hand-knotted carpets. Even today, some Afshar groups reside in northwestern Persia and continue to pass down their weaving techniques.
Characteristics of Afshar rugs: materials and structure
Afshar rugs stand out for their craftsmanship quality and the robustness of their structure. The main features are:
- High-quality wool pile
- Warp and weft in wool or cotton, with the oldest pieces made entirely of wool
- Dense knots, with a variable density depending on the production region
- Solid structure, especially in the older examples
In the more recent models, the weft can be single or double, with some variants featuring greater rigidity in the structure, similar to that of Bijar rugs.
Style and decoration: a mix of traditions
The most fascinating aspect of Afshar carpets is their decorative style, influenced by various cultures with which the tribe has come into contact. Initially, their carpets reflected their Turkmen roots, but over time they incorporated Lori-Bakhtiari stylistic elements and floral motifs typical of the Kerman area.
The decorative motifs vary greatly, ranging between:
- Vigorous geometric designs, with symmetrical and angular shapes
- Stylized floral elements, inspired by Persian traditions
Some rare patterns adopt the Zil-i-Sultan motif, a more elaborate decoration compared to traditional Afshar designs.
Colors and sizes of Afshar rugs
The color palette of Afshar rugs is characterized by vibrant tones and balanced combinations:
- Ivory and red field, with white and light blue details
- Variants with darker shades, linked to Caucasian influences
The sizes of Afshar rugs are generally small or medium, perfect for furnishing cozy spaces with a touch of Persian authenticity. Runners are quite rare, while square and rectangular formats are more common.
The main regional variants of Afshar carpets
There are several local variants of Afshar carpets, including:
- Afshar-Kerman – More refined carpets, often sold in the bazaars of Kerman and Shiraz
- Afshar-Bijar – Knotted in the tribe's original areas, with a robust structure similar to Bijar
- Afshar-Tekab – Less common variant, made in the Tekab region
Why choose an Afshar rug?
- Handcrafted using traditional techniques
- Unique design, blending geometric and floral influences
- Quality and durability, ideal for any environment
- Rare and sought-after pieces, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts
Afshar rugs represent one of the best choices for those seeking an authentic Persian rug, with ethnic charm and meticulous craftsmanship.
Why choose an Afshar rug?
- Handcrafted using traditional techniques
- Unique design, blending geometric and floral influences
- Quality and durability, ideal for any environment
- Rare and sought-after pieces, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts
Afshar rugs represent one of the best choices for those seeking an authentic Persian rug, with ethnic charm and meticulous craftsmanship.
Discover our selection of Afshar rugs
If you want an original Afshar rug for your home, explore our catalog and find the perfect model for you.
Shahmansouri Persian Carpets – Stradone Arcidiacono Pacifico 14, Verona
Contact us for more information: info@artigianatopersiano.it
Contact us for more information: info@artigianatopersiano.it
©2025 Shahmansouri, All rights reserved