A Gabbeh is a handmade Persian rug that was traditionally woven by Qashqai and Luri weavers in Iran. These rugs are and were simple, whimsical, or modern in design, often using geometric and stylized human, animal, and plant forms. The word Gabbeh translates closely to unfinished or unclipped. Originally these rugs were woven for the weaver's use with the pile left much longer than normal rugs. They were sometimes used as sleeping rugs. Most of the recent Gabbehs are filled with color with the weaver's creativity being given free rein. There is nothing subtle or understated about them. The beauty of these rugs is their unmistakable uniqueness. I had one Gabbeh with a herd of camels and another with only a few simple trees. I remember one in particular that had wine glasses positioned right next to the humans on the rug! Some Gabbehs will have small animal figures whimsically placed throughout the field. You may see a simple rendition of the Tree of Life design, camels crossing the desert, a stylized sunset, or the colors of the ocean with each rug having its individual qualities. A few of the more daring pieces have no design at all with only wool quality and variegation of color dictating the design elements.