SHIRAZ RUG

handwoven floor covering made in the district around the city of Shiraz in southern Iran. The best known are the Qashqa'i rugs, products of nomadic tribesmen. A group of tribessome Arab, some Turkish, forming the Khamseh Confederationweaves rugs somewhat similar to the Qashqa'i pieces in a variety of patterns, as do the inhabitants of certain Iranian weaving villages in the locality of Shiraz. They usually use Senna (Sehna) knotting, whereas the Qashqa'i use Ghiordes. Shiraz rugs frequently display rectilinear medallions in polygonal or diamond form, often with three diamonds connected by a pole. Arrangements of manifold narrow stripes and small geometric figures are also common. The strong colouring of the rugs has been described as sombre. The foundation is of wool, and the pile may consist of wool softer to the touch than is common in other parts of Persia.