Lori & Gabbeh Rugs

"Gabbeh" literally means "raw" or "unsheared" in Persian — a reference to the exceptionally thick, shaggy pile that defines these rugs. While city rugs have a pile height of 5–10mm, a genuine Gabbeh has 15–25mm of thick, lustrous handspun wool that creates an almost cushion-like surface. Asymmetric Persian knot, wool on wool — no cotton foundation. Made by Lori and Qashqai nomads in the Zagros mountains as functional textiles for daily use. Each weaver works from memory, with no cartoon or master design, producing compositions of powerful directness: large animal figures, trees, human figures, and bold geometric shapes.

Natural vegetal dyes from plants found in the Zagros — madder root, pomegranate rind, walnut hulls, weld — create a characteristic earthy-vivid palette. No two Gabbeh rugs are identical; each reflects the personality and moment of its weaver. Lori rugs from the same nomadic context tend to be slightly more structured, with recognizable tribal motifs and a firmer handle.

In contemporary interior design, Gabbeh rugs have had a remarkable second life — their bold, naive graphic quality reads as completely modern, sought after by designers who want authentic handmade character. Entry to mid-range pricing, with exceptional character-per-euro value.