🌙 The Federation of Five — Rare 1920s Khamseh Southwest Persian Rug

The Khamseh — meaning five in Arabic — was a political confederation of five distinct tribal groups created in the 19th century by the powerful Qavam family of Fars province in southwestern Iran, designed to balance the dominant influence of the Qashqai confederation across the same region. The five member tribes — the Arab tribe of Larestan, the Turkic-speaking Baharlu and Aynallu, the Nafar, and the Basseri — each maintained their distinct cultural identity while collectively producing a rich tradition of hand-knotted rugs celebrated for their elaborate geometric field designs, their distinctive stylized bird figures, the luster and quality of their wool, and the deep, saturated richness of their natural dyes. This circa 1920s example, hand-knotted from wool pile on a wool foundation, carries all the visual hallmarks of the Khamseh tradition at its most expressive. 🌿

🧵 Hand-Knotted in Southwest Persia — Circa 1920s — Wool Pile and Wool Foundation

Crafted entirely by hand from wool pile on a wool foundation using the traditional Khamseh hand-knotting technique, this rug dates to the 1920s when Khamseh tribal production in Fars province still maintained its authentic pre-commercial character. The all-wool construction contributes to the characteristic luster and resilience of the pile. The natural dye colors have mellowed beautifully with age. ✨

🎨 Intricate Geometric Floral Motifs in Rich Natural Colors

The design features the characteristic Khamseh vocabulary — intricate geometric floral field motifs rendered in rich, saturated natural dye colors that have gracefully mellowed with age. The composition demonstrates the bold, confident design language that distinguishes Khamseh rugs from all other southwest Persian production, with the characteristic integration of geometric structure and organic floral vitality. 🌺

📐 Dimensions

Measuring 46 by 65 inches (approximately 3 ft 10 in by 5 ft 5 in), this Khamseh is a versatile accent-size piece suited to a living room, study, or as a featured collector's piece in a curated Persian tribal rug display. 🏡

🌍 The Khamseh Collector Market

Khamseh rugs from the early 20th century are consistently prized by collectors who appreciate the combination of elaborate geometric design, high-quality wool, and deep natural dye work. Their connection to the political and cultural history of Fars province — and their relationship to the better-known Qashqai tradition from the same region — makes them objects of genuine historical interest. Rug experts regularly cite Khamseh craftsmanship and wool luster as among the finest of all southwest Persian tribal production. 🌐

✅ Condition

Low pile consistent with age and use, adding authentic character. Natural dye colors gracefully mellowed. Photos taken under natural light and accurately reflect condition. Rug number: 1524.

🏡 Perfect For

Collectors of southwest Persian tribal rugs ✦ Living rooms and study accents ✦ Fans of the Qashqai and Khamseh tribal tradition ✦ Anyone drawn to the bold geometric floral vocabulary of Fars province tribal weaving 🌙