gabbeh

According to conducted research, bedding known as "gabbeh" has existed since the time of early humans, although not exactly in the style and material available in the market today. Gabbehs in ancient times were made of various animal skins and wool. The term "gabbeh" is of Iranian origin and translates to raw and coarse. People have used this product primarily as bedding from ancient times to the present day. For more information on the types of gabbehs, their characteristics, and prices, stay with us.

What is Gabbeh?

Gabbeh is a type of traditional Iranian rug that, like antique carpets, features very beautiful and captivating patterns. This product is also considered a common weaving of Iranian tribes and rural areas.

The material of this rug is made from the wool of goats and sheep, and compared to carpets, it uses more weft in its weaving. Due to the higher amount of weft, its material is very soft and delicate. Long piles, more weft, and excessive softness are important and essential characteristics of this product.

Many factors influence the quality and excellence of woven gabbeh. These factors include tight knots, excellent pile trimming, strong warp, and suitable thickness.

If you've ever wondered why people don't call gabbeh the same as a carpet, given the strong resemblance between the two, the answer lies in the fact that this rug has greater thickness, and its functionality is also different.

As mentioned earlier, this product is thicker and bulkier than a carpet, and in terms of functionality, in addition to being used as a rug, it is also utilized in some cases for retaining heat and protecting humans from the cold.

However, it's important to note that in the weaving process, the finer and softer the used threads, the more superior and higher quality the produced product will be.

This product is predominantly woven in the southwestern regions of Iran by Qashqai tribes. Counties such as Bushehr, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Dezful, and Dogonbadan are among the most important producers of gabbeh in Iran.

Gabbehs come in various types and are well-known. Here are a few of them:

- Shool

- Gabbeh and Bakhtiari carpet

- Double-sided or blanket-like

- Fantasy

- Turkmen

- Modern

- Checkered

Handwoven Gabbeh

As the name suggests, Handwoven Gabbeh is traditionally crafted by hand. These products feature traditional and tribal designs and are woven in various sizes, often smaller in scale.

Handwoven Gabbehs are predominantly woven by tribal people, and a significant portion of tribal income comes from Gabbeh weaving. According to available information, the production of Gabbeh in our beloved country, Iran, has a history of 150 years and is among the first countries to produce Handwoven Gabbeh, holding a prominent position in this regard.

Due to their softness and delicacy, Gabbehs are an excellent choice for spreading and using them in home decoration. The pile height of Handwoven Gabbehs is woven up to one centimeter, and they also have a higher weft compared to handwoven and machine-made carpets.

Handwoven Gabbeh is even softer and more delicate than handwoven kilim carpets. Gabbehs come in a wide variety of designs, showcasing the high imaginative power of Gabbeh designers. They are available in both handwoven and machine-made versions in the market and have a considerable number of enthusiasts.

The worked patterns on Handwoven Gabbeh are much more diverse than machine-made Gabbehs, and it can be said that there are millions of different designs for Handwoven Gabbehs.

Despite the millions of designs in Gabbeh weaving, none of these patterns are repetitive, making it a unique and distinctive feature of Handwoven Gabbehs or kilim Gabbehs.

The weaving technique of Handwoven Gabbeh is done on a plain ground, usually in Persian style and, in some regions of Iran, in Turkish style.

The color palette used in this product is usually bright, incorporating shades of beige and cream. The primary material for weaving this type of rug is mostly goat's wool, which is combed and washed before the weaving process.

What is Qashqai Gabbeh?

In response to this question, it can be said that Qashqai Gabbeh is one of the popular and renowned products available in the market, produced by the Qashqai tribe.

The patterns used in weaving this product are traditionally inspired by Iranian artistic designs. Qashqai carpets and Gabbeh are well-known worldwide for their distinctive patterns and attractive designs.

The weaving technique and materials used are 100% natural, employing wool in its production, and from the weaving process to the detailing and natural colors used in creating the patterns, everything is authentic, entirely organic, and natural.

Special Features of Gabbeh Rugs:

1. Techniques and Materials:

Gabbeh rugs are exclusively hand-knotted, providing them with high quality and durability. The knotting techniques vary based on the region and reflect the skillfulness of the rug weavers. Valuable materials, such as local sheep's wool, contribute to the rugs' luster and unique softness.

2. Uniqueness and Value:

Gabbeh rugs are not just artistic masterpieces; they are also considered investments. Each rug is unique and tells its own story. Due to their rarity and quality, they are often considered valuable and popular collectors' items.

3. Gabbeh Rugs in Modern Interiors:

Although Gabbeh rugs were traditionally used in rural home styles in the past, they now find their place in modern and contemporary interiors as well.

Their unique designs and vibrant colors add a special touch to any room, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

Qashqai Gabbeh:

The wool used in this product is entirely natural. Qashqai Gabbeh from Shiraz is renowned for its authentic and high-quality wool, making it one of the most famous types of this product globally.

The patterns used in weaving this product usually consist of simple and attractive designs that, despite their simplicity, carry significant meaning and are exceptionally chic. Three famous patterns of these rugs include:

- Eight-pointed Star Pattern:

This pattern symbolizes the sun and is widely recognized.

- Skilful Lion Pattern:

The skilful lion pattern is one of the famous designs in Qashqai Gabbeh, featuring the image of a lion with a mane resembling a dog. Transparent and bright colors are used in designing this product.

- Flower and Bird Pattern:

The flower and bird pattern is one of the most beautiful and attractive designs in Qashqai Gabbeh. This Gabbeh, with its nature-inspired design, showcases intricate and intertwined beauty with busy and captivating patterns.

Handwoven Qashqai Gabbeh

This product is meticulously woven by skilled and creative Qashqai weavers. The most important and prominent school of Gabbeh weaving in Iran is the Fars school of Gabbeh weaving.

Due to the high diversity of this product in terms of structure and form, it can be classified into various categories. Handwoven Qashqai Gabbeh has reached its peak of prominence due to its unparalleled diversity and beautiful, captivating designs.

Among the significant features of this product, the minimalistic pattern and unique composition stand out, and the color palette in these rugs is highly varied.

The abstract patterns of these products showcase the forms of "chehel peh," which have their roots in ancient Iranian rituals and symbolize the birth of light in pre-Zoroastrian and Zoroastrian cultures.

The Qashqai tribe has a long history in weaving and Gabbeh production, a skill that has been globally recognized since the tenth century. Qashqai women weave numerous carpets, considering it both a daily activity and a source of income. 

Qashqai women primarily engage in Gabbeh and carpet weaving during the winter season. These products, in terms of size, range from small rug-like Gabbehs to larger blanket-like ones.

Difference between Handwoven and Machine-made Gabbeh:

Handwoven Gabbehs, as the name suggests, are crafted by hand, and aside from their beauty, naturalness, and value, they may have imperfections due to weaver mistakes or flaws in the final processing steps, which can become noticeable after use. Another potential threat to Gabbehs is the attack of pests like ladybugs, which can be a significant threat and almost destroy a handwoven piece. Another danger is moisture in the environment, which over time can lead to the deterioration of handwoven rugs, and repairing them may not be cost-effective.

On the other hand, machine-made Gabbehs have a more regular structure and are made from synthetic fibers. Due to the thickness of the fibers, their lifespan is generally longer compared to handwoven Gabbehs, which are more susceptible to damage. Machine-made Gabbehs, due to their diversity in design, color patterns, and dimensions, can easily be incorporated into living or working spaces, providing an economical and exceptional artistic option for urban homes.

Price of Handwoven Qashqai Gabbeh (6 meters):

The price of a 6-meter Handwoven Qashqai Gabbeh depends not only on its size but also on the pattern, design, and materials used. The price of this product, made entirely from wool, tends to be higher.

The natural and plant-based dyeing process used in this product doesn't significantly impact its price. Sometimes, you may encounter lower prices for 6-meter Handwoven Qashqai Gabbehs, and you might consider purchasing these products. However, it's important to note that these Gabbehs are labeled as handwoven but are made from different materials and may not be produced from high-quality natural wool. The reason for their lower price is this distinction.

Buying a second-hand Gabbeh:

Owning and purchasing a second-hand Gabbeh doesn't diminish its value or quality compared to a new one. This high-quality and premium product is considered an investment, and its value and price increase over time.

To buy this product, you can find a suitable one with a reasonable price in the carpet market or by checking advertisements on various websites. However, it's essential to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product before making any payment.

Buying Handwoven Gabbeh:

Buying handwoven Gabbeh is not an easy task, as some sellers might convincingly present a low-quality or fake product as an authentic one. Before purchasing, make sure to verify the credibility of the store or website to have a successful and pleasant buying experience. Another option is to visit the workshops and purchase directly from the Qashqai tribes, which, although challenging, has its own merits.

For a convenient and reliable way to purchase, you can visit the website www.carpetnrugs.com, where various high-quality Gabbehs are available for you to choose from.

Selling Handwoven Gabbeh:

Today, Gabbeh weaving is not only done by hand but also produced with high quality in factories specializing in rug and kilim production. These factories send their products, including high-quality handwoven Gabbehs, to the rug and kilim markets and their representatives throughout Iran.

Many people, especially nomadic tribes, have achieved a decent income through selling these products. Weaving and selling Gabbehs have become the main occupation for these people.

Price of Handwoven Qashqai Gabbeh (6 meters):

The price of a 6-meter Handwoven Qashqai Gabbeh is influenced not only by its size but also by its pattern, design, and the quality of materials used. Being made entirely from natural wool, this product tends to be more expensive.

The natural and plant-based dyeing process doesn't significantly affect its price. Sometimes, you may come across lower prices for 6-meter Handwoven Qashqai Gabbehs, but it's important to note the distinction in materials and potential lower quality, which reflects in the price.

Buying a Second-hand Gabbeh:

Owning and buying a second-hand Gabbeh has almost the same value and quality as a new one. This high-quality and premium product is considered an investment, and its value and price increase over time.

To buy this product, you can find a suitable one in the rug market or by following ads on various websites and make your purchase. However, it's essential to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product before making any payment.

Buying Handwoven Gabbeh:

Buying handwoven Gabbeh is not an easy task, as some sellers might convincingly present a low-quality or fake product as an authentic one. Before purchasing, make sure to verify the credibility of the store or website to have a successful and pleasant buying experience. Another option is to visit the workshops and purchase directly from the Qashqai tribes, which, although challenging, has its own merits.

For a convenient and reliable way to purchase, you can visit the website www.carpetnrugs.com, where various high-quality Gabbehs are available for you to choose from.

Selling Handwoven Gabbeh:

Today, Gabbeh weaving is not only done by hand but also produced with high quality in factories specializing in rug and kilim production. These factories send their products, including high-quality handwoven Gabbehs, to the rug and kilim markets and their representatives throughout Iran.

Many people, especially nomadic tribes, have achieved a decent income through selling these products. Weaving and selling Gabbehs have become the main occupation for these people.

Price of Handwoven Qashqai Gabbeh (6 meters):

The price of a 6-meter Handwoven Qashqai Gabbeh is influenced not only by its size but also by its pattern, design, and the quality of materials used. Being made entirely from natural wool, this product tends to be more expensive.

The natural and plant-based dyeing process doesn't significantly affect its price. Sometimes, you may come across lower prices for 6-meter Handwoven Qashqai Gabbehs, but it's important to note the distinction in materials and potential lower quality, which reflects in the price.