Afshar
- Type: Persian Rug (Tribal Rug)
- Location: Southeastern Iran, Kerman Province
(Main production areas: Sirjan, Dehaj, Shahr-e Babak)
- Knots per square meter: 150,000 - 250,000 knots
(Relatively high density for a tribal rug, tightly woven)
- Design: Primarily geometric patterns, featuring medallion compositions, flora and fauna, and paisley motifs
- Colors: Deep reds and blues, accented with browns, ivories, and saffron, dyed with natural dyes
- Material: High-quality wool
Afshar Persian rugs are hand-knotted by the Afshar tribe in the region around Sirjan, Kerman Province, in southeastern Iran.
Kerman is located approximately 800 to 900 kilometers southeast of Tehran, in a dry plateau area.
The Afshar tribe is a Turkic nomadic people with roots in Central Asia, who migrated to northwestern Iran around the 11th century and settled in the current Kerman region in the 17th century. Since then, the rugs produced by them have become widely known as "Sirjan rugs."
The weaving technique primarily used is the Turkish knot (Gordes knot), with a medium density of approximately 150,000 to 250,000 knots per square meter, showcasing remarkable strength.
The design of Afshar rugs features bold and rhythmic compositions centered around geometric patterns, medallions, and motifs rooted in the nomadic lifestyle, such as small birds and boteh (paisley).
The color palette is characterized by deep reds and indigos, often with earthy and warm tones. Over time, they develop a beautiful texture, revealing a unique expression.
High-quality wool is used for the material, providing a soft touch and pleasant underfoot feel.
Unlike the intricate Persian rugs made in urban workshops, Afshar rugs are appealing for their strong, free expressions and rustic beauty typical of tribal rugs.