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Afshar Sirjan, 80 Years Old, 148*113 cm

This is a hand-knotted antique Afshar Sirjan rug, originating from the Sirjan region in the Kerman province of southeastern Iran. Sirjan rugs are famous for their bold, graphic tribal designs and exceptionally durable, lustrous wool. This piece is approximately 80 years old, dating to the mid-1940s, and measures 148 by 113 centimeters (roughly 4 feet 10 inches by 3 feet 8 inches).

The design of this Afshar Sirjan rug is a classic “all-over pictorial” or “Vase and Boteh” layout, characterized by a rhythmic, repeating arrangement of stylized architectural and floral elements. The field is populated by a staggered grid of stylized vases (Gol-dan) or stepped architectural shrines, each topped with a small, domed roof-like shape. Inside these vases and rising from them are stylized floral sprays and branches in orange and ivory. Between the vases, the field is filled with a dense network of curving, angular vines, small eight-pointed stars, S-hooks, and latch-hook motifs.

The color palette is warm, vibrant, and distinctly tribal. The primary field is a rich, glowing madder red and crimson, which provides a warm, energetic background. The prominent geometric motifs are woven in deep indigo blue and navy, accented with terracotta orange, mustard yellow, ivory, and touches of forest green. The main border features a dark blue ground with repeating geometric elements in ivory, red, and orange, creating a strong, contrasting frame around the vibrant interior. A prominent, highly desirable abrash(horizontal color variation) sweeps across the red field, confirming the use of natural, hand-prepared dyes.

The symbolism in this Afshar Sirjan rug is deeply rooted in tribal beliefs and the natural environment. The repeating vases or stepped shrines represent the “Tree of Life” or the “Garden of Paradise,”symbolizing fertility, abundance, and spiritual refuge. The stepped, jagged edges of the vases and the latch-hook motifs scattered throughout the field represent protective “teeth” or “dragon claws,” woven into the rug to ward off the Evil Eye (Nazar) and protect the beauty within. The eight-pointed stars represent divine light and guidance, while the madder red field represents life, blood, and vitality. This 80-year-old rug is in excellent vintage condition, with a plush, even, and lustrous pile that feels wonderfully thick underfoot. The fringes are full, the side edges are secure, and the natural abrash adds immense depth and texture.
Origin: Antique Afshar Sirjan rug, Kerman province, southeastern Iran.
Age: 80 years old (circa mid-1940s).
Size: 148 x 113 cm (4’10” x 3’8″), a versatile small-medium area rug.
Colors: Madder red/crimson field, indigo blue/navy motifs, terracotta orange, mustard yellow, ivory, and forest green.
Design: “All-over pictorial” layout with repeating stylized vases or stepped shrines.
Motifs: Stylized vase/Tree of Life, scattered eight-pointed stars, S-hooks, latch-hooks, and repeating “leaf and hook” main border.
Symbolism: Tree of Life/Garden of Paradise (fertility/abundance), protective teeth/latch-hooks (warding off Evil Eye), divine light (stars), life/vitality (red field).
Condition: Excellent vintage condition; plush, even pile; full fringes; secure edges; beautiful natural abrash.
Value: A charming, folk-art-inspired collectible with bold tribal colors, graphic appeal, and protective tribal symbolism.