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Gabbeh: The Underfoot Masterpieces That Redefined Persian Rug Art

In the world of interior design, few elements carry the weight of history while simultaneously feeling utterly contemporary like a handmade Gabbeh rug. These remarkable textiles, with their bold colours and minimalist designs, have transcended their humble origins to become coveted pieces in homes across the globe. But what exactly are Gabbeh rugs, and why have they captivated the hearts of designers and homeowners alike? In this article, inspired by Parviz Tanavoli’s book “Gabbeh: Art Underfoot” (2004), we’ll explore the fascinating journey of these unique carpets.

Gabbeh: Art Underfoot

Gabbeh: Art Underfoot (2004). Image courtesy of Parviz Tanavoli.

Gabbeh: Art Underfoot (2004)

This groundbreaking work represents the first comprehensive study dedicated solely to Gabbeh rugs, elevating these often-overlooked textiles to their rightful place in the canon of textile arts. Through meticulous research and stunning photography, Tanavoli traces the evolution of Gabbeh from practical nomadic floor coverings to internationally recognised art forms.

The Emergence of an Underground Icon

While Persian rugs have long been celebrated for their intricate patterns and delicate craftsmanship, Gabbeh rugs tell a different story. According to Parviz Tanavoli’s fascinating historical account, these distinctive carpets remained largely unknown to the Western world until the 1970s. Unlike their more formal Persian counterparts with their complex floral motifs, Gabbeh carpets stood apart with their coarser texture, thicker pile —typically left “unclipped” to a greater length than other rugs, and strikingly simple designs.
Tanavoli pinpoints 1974 as the watershed moment when “Gabbeh Shiri” (Lion Gabbeh) carpets were exhibited in American museums, catapulting these once-obscure textiles into the consciousness of European and American markets. What followed was nothing short of a revolution in interior design, as these authentic expressions of nomadic creativity found their way into contemporary homes.
grey and orange gabbehs carpet on parquet, plain minimal design

Ancient Origins Of Gabbeh

The origins of Gabbeh are far older than their recent popularity might suggest. Archaeological evidence, including Sumerian statues from Susa dating back to 2500 BCE, shows textiles resembling Gabbehs with their characteristic long fibres. The Greek historian Xenophon, writing in the fifth century BCE, described Persian rugs used for bedding in the same regions where Gabbeh production flourishes today. His description of rugs providing softness under beds aligns perfectly with the plush comfort of a Gabbeh—suggesting these may be among the oldest continuous textile traditions in the world.

Gabbeh as an Artistic Expression of Nomadic Weavers

Created primarily by the Qashqai and Lur nomadic tribes of southern Iran, Gabbeh rugs are distinct expressions of nomadic craftsmanship. These tribes, particularly the Lurs, are considered the originators of the Gabbeh tradition, with the Qashqai later refining the form with greater precision and more brilliant colours.
The weaving process itself is notable for its authenticity. Tanavoli explains that Gabbeh weavers, typically women working in relative isolation, translate their personal visions directly into wool without rigid patterns or templates. Unlike commercial carpet production, there is no intermediary between the weaver’s imagination and the final product. This direct translation results in textiles that possess a rare authenticity and personal expression.
The technical aspects are equally distinctive. Gabbeh rugs feature a thicker weave and longer pile due to the use of “low count knots,” making them immediately recognisable when compared to other Persian carpets. This structural difference is not merely aesthetic but functional—providing warmth and comfort in the harsh mountain environments where they originated.
  • Beige Persian Gabbeh
  • Beige Persian Gabbeh Selvage
  • Blue Qashqai Gabbeh selvage
  • 20008 selvage
  • 20079 selvage
  • 20083 selvage
  • 20015 selvage
  • 20028 selvage

Gabbeh rugs are defined by their thick pile that gives them a unique soft texture.
Click on any rug to explore its details.

The Art Beneath Our Feet

One of the most compelling arguments made in Tanavoli’s book is that many Gabbeh carpets deserve recognition as legitimate works of art. Despite their utilitarian purpose, these “underfoot creations” embody the same artistic merit as pieces hanging in galleries. Tanavoli provocatively suggests the term “underfoot art” or “Gabbeh art” to acknowledge their rightful place in the artistic canon—an idea reflected in his choice of title for the book itself.
This raises fascinating questions about how we categorise art and craft—a division that hasn’t always existed. Historically, as “Gabbeh: Art Underfoot” explains, an object imbued with artistic expression was simply considered art, regardless of its function. It wasn’t until the rise of modern art institutions that rigid hierarchies emerged, elevating certain forms like painting and sculpture while relegating others to secondary status.

Bauhaus and Gabbeh: Converging Aesthetics

In a fascinating parallel explored in “Gabbeh: Art Underfoot,” Tanavoli reveals how the Bauhaus movement of the early 20th century independently arrived at design principles remarkably similar to those found in traditional Gabbeh rugs. The Bauhaus school, founded in 1919 Germany under Walter Gropius, sought to bridge the artificial divide between art and industry—a division that historically hadn’t existed. Bauhaus designers like Gertrud Arnt created rugs with geometric compositions and bold color blocks strikingly similar to Gabbeh designs, despite having no knowledge of these Iranian tribal textiles. Tanavoli points to a specific “kheshti” (tile) composition rug designed for Gropius’s office that bears uncanny resemblance to traditional Gabbeh patterns. What cultural forces led these vastly different traditions to converge on identical design languages? And why were the resulting works judged so differently by the art world? We will explore these questions in another article (coming soon).

Director's office of Walter Gropius at the Bauhaus Weimar, 1923, with wall hanging by Else Mögelin (1923), carpet by Gertrud Arndt (1924) and table lamp by Wagenfeld

Director’s office of Walter Gropius at the Bauhaus Weimar, with wall hanging by Else Mögelin (1923), carpet by Gertrud Arndt (1924) resembling Gabbeh ‘brick’ (kheshti) design.
Image courtesy of The Bauhaus-Archiv

Traditional Craft and Environmental Responsibility

The production methods of authentic Gabbeh rugs align remarkably well with contemporary environmental concerns. According to Tanavoli’s research, traditional Gabbeh production involves several environmentally sound practices:
  • Wool sourcing from the weavers’ own sheep, often using undyed natural colours (grey, white, black, and brown)
  • Natural dyeing processes using plant materials native to the regions
  • Hand-spinning techniques requiring no electricity
  • Longevity of the final product, with many antique Gabbeh rugs still in use after decades

These practices stand in contrast to modern carpet production, which often involves chemical dyes, synthetic materials, and energy-intensive manufacturing. The nomadic origins of Gabbeh also meant that materials had to be sourced locally and sustainably—a practice that continues in many traditional weaving communities today.

Living With Gabbeh in Contemporary Homes

Today, Gabbeh rugs have found their place in diverse interior styles. Their textural richness and simplified colour palette make them perfect companions for both minimalist spaces and more eclectic rooms needing a grounding element. Unlike more formal Persian carpets that can sometimes feel museum-like in their precision, Gabbeh rugs bring a lived-in warmth and artistic spontaneity to a space.
When styling a Gabbeh in your home, embrace its inherent character. These rugs work beautifully as focal points in living areas, where their tactile nature invites bare feet and casual lounging. Their typically bold colours—earthy reds, deep blues, sunny yellows, rich browns, and undyed beige and grey wool—can either harmonise with your existing palette or serve as an inspirational jumping-off point for the entire room.
beige gabbeh carpet on parquet, tree and goat design

Finding Your Gabbeh

If you’ve been inspired to bring one of these remarkable textiles into your home, take time to research and, if possible, see examples in person. The tactile quality of a Gabbeh—its substantial weight, the springiness of its pile, the irregularities that speak to its handmade nature—can only be fully appreciated through direct experience.
Look for pieces that speak to you personally. Unlike rugs where technical perfection is the goal, the beauty of a Gabbeh lies partly in its idiosyncrasies. The slight variations in colour, the charming irregularities in pattern, the personal expression of the weaver—these are all hallmarks of an authentic piece.
For those seeking to connect with the rich tradition of Gabbeh rugs, Qooch offers an exceptional gateway. Serving as a bridge between ancestral craft and contemporary homes, Qooch partners directly with nomadic artisans who weave stories into every piece. Available exclusively through the Rugnosis Marketplace, these rugs preserve generations of weaving tradition, with each pattern and technique passed down through families of weavers. The name Qooch itself—meaning nomadic migration—resonates with the spirit of these textiles, echoing the mountainous landscapes that inspire the rugs’ designs.

About Parviz Tanavoli

Parviz Tanavoli in his studio

Parviz Tanavoli in his studio. Image courtesy of Parviz Tanavoli.

Parviz Tanavoli is widely regarded as Iran’s most significant modern sculptor and a leading authority on Persian tribal arts. Born in Tehran in 1937, Tanavoli has devoted decades to collecting, studying, and championing the traditional folk arts of Iran, particularly textiles and metalwork. His dual perspective as both a modernist artist and a passionate scholar of traditional crafts gives his analysis of Gabbeh rugs a unique depth and context.
Tanavoli first encountered Gabbeh rugs in 1969 and describes in the book his journey to the regions around Shiraz where he met directly with the weavers from the Lors and Qashqai tribes. This fieldwork, combined with his artistic sensibility, allowed him to recognise the profound artistic merit in these “underfoot” creations long before they gained international recognition.
Beyond his scholarly work, Tanavoli’s own sculptural practice has been deeply influenced by the abstract forms and symbolic language found in traditional Persian arts, creating a fascinating dialogue between contemporary fine art and ancestral craft traditions.

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