Fine Antique Qashquli Qashqa’i Rug
This rare and early Qashqa’i rug exemplifies the rich cultural exchange between India and south Persian weaving traditions. Historical accounts document Qashqa’i peoples’ participation in Nadir Shah’s 18th-century Indian campaign (J. Opie, Tribal Rugs, 1992). Millefleurs niche rugs, among the finest Qashqa’i workshop creations, closely emulate their Mughal counterparts.
A distinctive four-armed medallion anchors the rug’s soft rose field. Artisans adorned it with clusters of directional floral motifs, reminiscent of early Mughal rugs from the Shah Jahan era. Blue corners feature designs from millefleurs rugs alongside zoomorphic motifs characteristic of south Persian artistry. The stylized ivory border, with its vineyard pattern, echoes certain silk pile rugs from southern India’s Deccan region.
Craftspeople used the softest pashmina wool and silk wefts, underscoring the rug’s connection to Mughal textile arts. They employed asymmetrical knots on cotton warps with silk wefts to create this masterpiece, showcasing the cultural diversity and artistic exchange of the region.
This piece celebrates the blending of diverse artistic traditions, highlighting the interconnectedness of cultures through textile art.