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Gabbeh Rugs
Gabbeh rugs – modern, timeless, pure
Our contemporary world sometimes lacks many things; the unspoilt and simple beauty of a Gabbeh rug, for example. Hand-knotted for the first time centuries ago by the nomads of southern Iran, it radiates unobtrusive, subtle elegance and authentic naturalness, and reaches out to smooth and cool interiors, leading back to the origins of our most essential needs.
These characteristics make it the ideal rug for our new, minimalist living environments, giving them the missing and much-needed grip and down-to-earthiness that gives a home a cosy atmosphere in the first place.
Everyone's favourite
What makes these rugs so popular is their unique combination of thick, woolly pile and coarse, durable weave. The Gabbeh is honest, warm, and protective in nature. It comes from a long-forgotten environment in which a rug was more than just a fancy floor covering.
Made to withstand the elements and to give life in tents an unwavering sense of comfort, it conveys honest strength, grace, and dignity to this day.
Incidentally, the term ‘Gabbeh’ means ‘natural’ and ‘raw’ when translated from Persian.
Nomadic production
For its production, the nomads have always used the fleece wool of their native sheep, bred specifically for this purpose. The result is a robust and soft rug that combines durability and density. The hand-knotted or hand-woven Gabbeh is characterised by the use of the ‘Senneh knot’ (Persian knot, or asymmetrical knot).
Cultivated in the province of Fars and widely used in Persian rug art, the Senneh knot is preferred because it can be knotted more finely and with more detail, giving the rugs artistic sophistication in their details despite their simple design.
The Kashkuli Gabbeh should also be mentioned in this context. Kashkuli refers to a subgroup of the Ghashgai nomads, who, compared to other tribes, are known for their even finer and more densely knotted rugs with a richer colour palette.
The spectrum of knot density across all Gabbehs generally ranges from 60,000 to 250,000 knots per square metre.
‘Genuine’ minimalism
The Gabbeh is known for its reduced, often minimalist designs. It uses large areas of colour or very simple geometric patterns. In deliberate contrast to many other Persian rugs, which are complex and detailed, it is designed with restraint.
Occasionally, stripes or simple animal and plant motifs can be found, often stylised and simplified, successfully underlining the strong focus on rustic aesthetics. Through this artistic abstraction and symbolism, the weavers communicate the deepest impressions of nomadic life.
Colour? Of course.
Red, blue, yellow, green, orange, and, of course, every shade of brown are the colours most often found in these vibrant depictions of their environment. Nomad rugs are traditionally dyed using pure, natural products such as plants and minerals, which gives the rugs their vibrant depth.
The different tones, and the variations and irregularities in the colours and patterns, bear witness to their uniqueness. Each rug is one of a kind. It is no wonder that a Gabbeh, with its clear lines, versatile colour spectrum, and earthy virtues, feels at home in both modern and traditional living spaces.
In interiors – nostalgic & new
Since the 1980s, interest in the Gabbeh has been steadily increasing, culminating in a boom in the 90s that caused demand to rise exponentially. With ever more futuristic designs in architecture and furniture, and in the face of technical gadgets such as smartphones and the like, designers are shaping our aesthetic perception towards ‘less is more’ and ‘form follows function’.
However, what our digitalised perception is missing is obvious: the connection to nature. A Gabbeh passes this bridge with flying colours, and it maintains it. It closes the circle between landscape and culture at every moment and thus distinguishes itself as a profound link between new-fangled styles and codes of traditional interior design.
Modern minimalism:
Despite their traditional roots, our Morgenland Gabbeh rugs go perfectly with minimalist styles. Their simple, reduced patterns and the often monochrome, colourful or subtly patterned surfaces with their geometric accents have an uncluttered effect on rooms. They bring warmth and texture to an otherwise sober environment.
Rustic-rural style:
The hand-knotted Gabbeh is perfect for rustic or rural interiors, as its handmade appearance, higher knot density and exclusive use of soft, warm wool harmonise perfectly with the cosy atmosphere of these styles. A rug in earthy tones complements wooden furniture and natural textures, giving rustic, rural interior styles a warm, harmonious atmosphere.
Scandinavian style:
Scandinavians appreciate simple, functional designs that nevertheless radiate friendliness and a sense of well-being. The right colour palette is crucial here. Subtle models in soft colours give bright, neutral rooms a cosy ambience.
Rugs with Format - Big, Bigger, Gabbeh
Our rugs are ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, or as runners in the hallway. At Morgenland, you will find your Gabbeh in a range of designs and sizes; from delicate specimens to spacious variants in the 13 x 9 format, which can make any bedroom cosier. Our collection is not limited to standard shapes either. We have rectangular, square, and oval patterns.
Furthermore, we offer a considerable selection of Gabbeh runners, in lengths of over four metres. Since every single rug, regardless of size and shape, is handmade, you will also find ‘unique dimensions’ that fit perfectly into any room and satisfy even the most individual tastes.
More from ‘Us’
The special thickness of the pile, which is made of pure new wool, makes our rugs particularly soft, cuddly, and durable to the touch.
There are different names for this type of rug: for example, finer knotting is referred to as ‘Loribaft’ (also: Loribaff). Variants from India are also common. These reproduce the classic motifs very skilfully, but can also feature more modern patterns and brighter colours.
A Gabbeh is available from Morgenland in Persian and Indian versions (countries of origin), as parts of the production have increasingly been relocated to India. We offer them in 3 categories...
Gabbeh rug – Persian: This variant describes our ‘hand-knotted Persian variants from Iran’.
Gabbeh rug – Indus: This refers to our ‘hand-knotted Gabbeh made in India’ (also: Indo).
Gabbeh rug – Softy: Last but not least, we use this term to describe our ‘hand-woven Gabbeh from India’.
We currently offer a total of 11 collections in a range of different colour options:
and many more rugs of Persian and Indian origin. Would you like to learn more? Then simply click on one of the links that lead to the different sizes and colours and experience how easy and efficient it is to find and buy rugs online these days. Take advantage of the 31-day right of return, fast delivery, and free delivery and return from Morgenland.
Care and maintenance!
With these simple measures, your Gabbeh will last for many years:
To protect the wool fabric, the rug should be vacuumed regularly, without a rotating brush. It is advisable to turn the rug every few months to ensure even wear. This also helps to prevent possible fading on one side due to sunlight.
Stains are best dabbed immediately with a clean cloth, lukewarm water, and a mild detergent. Avoid aggressive chemicals that could damage the colours and material. Professional cleaning, with cycles chosen at your discretion, is also recommended. And of course, depending on the dimensions and effort involved, the rug can be aired from time to time.
Final words
The Gabbeh is truly more than just a rug. Once developed as a versatile sleeping mat and seat, it brings the essence of nomadic craftsmanship into your home with its powerful colours and clear, unpretentious patterns, creating a place full of comfort and originality. A wide selection of different traditional patterns, dyed with the help of plant dyes, gives each Gabbeh a look that, across interiors, cultivates timeless beauty and distinct Iranian nobility.
Its consistent quality and genuine authenticity are a testament to its durability, making it a true companion for life that not only gains in attractiveness in the long term in the eye of the beholder but also gracefully transports the depth of its tradition into our modern times.
FAQs:
What kind of Persian rugs are Gabbehs?
Gabbehs are handmade rugs that were originally made by the Ghashgai nomads (also known as Kashgai) in Iran. They are characterised by their simple, often minimalist design, combined with bold colours and archaic patterns. Each individual Gabbeh is knotted by hand, is always unique, and is made from high-quality virgin wool.
Which rooms are a Gabbeh best suited for?
A Gabbeh is perfectly suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and other living areas where cosiness and warmth are required. Due to its dense, soft structure, the rug is particularly pleasant in rooms where you walk barefoot or sit on the floor. Thanks to its colours and designs, and the combination of design options and timeless elegance, a Gabbeh complements virtually every interior design style.
Is a Gabbeh suitable for allergy sufferers?
Since they are handmade from natural sheep's wool, the fibres are naturally hypoallergenic. Allergy sufferers can therefore use the Persian rug to its full extent. It is important to clean the rug regularly.
How do I care for the rug?
Regular vacuuming without rotating brushes, immediate spot removal with mild detergent, and an occasional professional cleaning are recommended for the hand-knotted rugs.
How durable is a Gabbeh?
Gabbeh rugs are very durable. They are dyed with plants, hand-knotted or hand-woven, and made of dense, hand-spun wool, which gives them a long lifespan. Their thick structure and high quality make them resistant to wear and tear. These rugs are particularly suitable for areas with heavy foot traffic.
How are the colours made for a Gabbeh?
Traditionally, the Gabbeh is dyed with vegetable dyes. The colours used come from natural sources such as roots, leaves, fruits, and minerals, which gives them a special colour brilliance and authenticity. This colouring ensures that each rug ages naturally and develops a unique patina over the years.
How long will the rug last?
With proper care and regular vacuuming, a hand-knotted rug can last for decades. Thanks to the robust virgin wool and the dense weave, it is particularly durable and retains its structure and colours even after many years of use.
Is a Gabbeh also suitable for modern interior styles?
Yes, the rug is perfect for modern interiors. Kept simple and available in a wide range of colours, it looks great in minimalist or modern rooms. The combination of tradition and contemporary simplicity makes it very versatile.