This is a hand-knotted antique Shahsavan (Shasavan) rug, originating from the Shahsavan tribal confederation in the northwestern region of Iran, primarily in the provinces of East Azerbaijan and Ardabil. The Shahsavan (meaning “those who love the king”) were a powerful tribal group known for their bold, geometric weaving and deep, saturated colors. This rug is approximately 100 years old, dating to the early 1920s, and measures 190 by 120 centimeters, which is roughly 6 feet 3 inches by 3 feet 11 inches. This size makes it an ideal narrow area rug or runner, perfect for a hallway, a small living space, alongside a bed, or as a decorative wall hanging. The rug is constructed entirely of hand-spun wool using natural dyes, and its age is evident in the deep, mellow patina and the distinctive abrash (color variation) across the field.
About the event
The design layout of this Shahsavan rug is a classic “all-over repeating geometric” pattern, featuring a dense, interlocking lattice of small, repetitive motifs. The entire field is covered in a tight, geometric pattern known as a “diamond lattice” or “repeating boteh” grid. This pattern creates a mesmerizing, textured effect that draws the eye across the entire rug. There is no central medallion; instead, the pattern is continuous and uniform from top to bottom. The rug is framed by a wide main border in dark blue, surrounded by multiple narrow guard borders in red and ivory. The main border features a repeating “flower and vine” or “S-hook”pattern, which is typical of Shahsavan and Caucasian weaving.
The motifs in this Shahsavan rug are overwhelmingly geometric, with a strong emphasis on repetition, interlocking shapes, and small-scale details. The field is filled with a repeating diamond lattice pattern, where each diamond contains a small, stylized flower or star in blue and ivory. The diamonds themselves are outlined in dark blue, creating a structured, honeycomb-like appearance. The main border features a repeating “S-hook” (Running Dog) or “leaf and flower” pattern, woven in ivory and camel against a dark blue ground. The guard borders contain small, repeating chevron, diamond, and star motifs, which act as a protective frame around the main design. The top and bottom edges of the rug show a row of small, alternating geometric flowers in blue and ivory, adding a finishing touch to the overall composition.
The color palette of this antique Shahsavan rug is rich, warm, and deeply saturated, characteristic of the finest tribal weaving from the northwestern region. The primary field color is a deep, vibrant madder red or rust red, which provides a warm, inviting background for the intricate geometric pattern. The repeating motifs within the field are woven in contrasting indigo blue and navy blue, creating a rhythmic, visual texture. The main border features a dark navy blue or midnight blueground with repeating geometric motifs in ivory, camel, golden yellow, and touches of brick red. The guard borders are woven in red, blue, and ivory, framing the field with a complex, layered structure. There is a noticeable abrash across the red field—horizontal bands of lighter and darker red—which is a highly desirable feature that confirms the use of hand-spun wool and natural, organic dyes.
Age: 100 years old (circa early 1920s), a true antique.
Size: 190 x 120 cm (6’3″ x 3’11”), an ideal narrow area rug or runner.
Material: 100% hand-spun wool with natural, organic dyes.
Colors: Rich madder/rust red field, indigo/navy blue motifs, dark navy blue border, ivory, camel, golden yellow, and brick red accents.
Design: Classic “all-over repeating geometric” pattern with a dense diamond lattice (boteh grid).
Pattern: Repeating diamond lattice with small floral/star motifs inside each diamond; main border with repeating “S-hook” (Running Dog) or “leaf and flower” pattern.
Symbolism: Earth/territory (diamond lattice), protective eye (diamonds), light/fertility (flowers/stars), ram’s horns (S-hook), life/vitality (red field), night sky (blue border), protective teeth (latch-hooks).
Condition: Excellent antique condition with even low pile, secure edges, and full, intact fringes.
Abrash: Natural color variation confirms authentic, hand-prepared natural dyes.
Versatility: Ideal for hallway, small living space, alongside a bed, or as a decorative wall hanging.