A Gabbeh is a handmade Persian rug 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 weavers' own use, with the pile left much longer than normal rugs. They were sometimes used as sleeping rugs. Most recent Gabbehs are filled with color, with the weavers' creativity given free rein. There is nothing subtle or understated about them; the beauty of these rugs is their unmistakable uniqueness. I've seen Gabbehs with a herd of camels, others with only a few simple trees. I particularly remember one 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 own 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. One of the most important factors influencing the beauty of any rug is its colors. Some of the most magnificent color creations have been, and are being, achieved on a regular basis in the contemporary production of Persian Gabbehs. Jewel tones abound, and old-school dyeing techniques have been given new life. With their simple design elements, they are perfectly suited for modern interiors. Additionally, they can be easily incorporated into most eclectic decorating schemes and work well with traditional Persian tribal rugs if the colors are in agreement. This is not a rug recommended for a formal room. If the moods and colors are in harmony and it pleases you, that's the bottom line. Gabbeh rugs are woven in villages of settled tribal groups, many of them descendants of Turkic-speaking peoples. The most prolific producers of Gabbeh are the Qashqai, famous for their love of color. The best Gabbehs, woven with lustrous hand-spun Persian wool, come from the areas near the Zagros Mountains in Southern Iran. The creation of these rugs is most often done in the home, each one a unique and splendid presentation of the weavers' art. Gabbeh rugs in the past were never given their due by old-school rug merchants. Dealers of yesteryear often disregarded these beautiful, simple rugs as crude and unrefined. It was only recently (within the last ten to fifteen years) that any interest was expressed for these rugs at all. Now, they are much more widely recognized for their beauty and charm, with a renaissance of new production that became available when the embargo on Persian rugs was lifted at the beginning of the last decade.
