Gabbeh Rugs

Gabbeh Rugs Collection

Gabbeh rugs are spirited works of improvisational art that originate from the nomadic tribes of Southwestern Iran. Each piece reflects the landscape, culture, and artistic freedom of the people who crafted them. These one-of-a-kind rugs feel playful, expressive, and instinctive while still demonstrating a mature artistic sensibility shaped over generations.

Our Gabbeh rugs are authentic Persian works, not reproductions. Many Gabbeh rugs in global markets are produced in other countries using different wools, dyes, and weaving traditions. They cannot match the spontaneity, natural color variation, or radiant Persian wool that define the originals we specialize in.

Authentic, Handwoven Gabbeh Rugs

The word “Gabbeh” has both a broad and historical meaning. It refers to a category of spontaneous, modern-feeling tribal rugs with many qualities and also to a specific type of coarse weaving from an Iranian ethnic group. Within our collection, you will find a range of beloved Gabbeh varieties including Tajik, Kashkouli, Sedeh, and Loribaft. These weaves range from fine and sophisticated to textured and casual, all united by exceptional wool and natural dyes.

Each rug is handwoven by skilled artisans and created through a process that values artistic instinct over repetition. This is part of what makes authentic Gabbeh rugs special. No two pieces are ever the same, and each rug carries the touch of the weaver’s hand and imagination.

Brilliant, Soft Iranian Wool

For Tufenkian, wool has always been the starting point for evaluating a rug. This has been true since the earliest years of production.

All of our Gabbeh rugs are woven from remarkable Iranian sheep’s wool. This sets them apart from the majority of Gabbeh rugs on the market, many of which come from India, Pakistan, and other countries using highly processed wools from different breeds. These wools lack the unique climatic conditions and natural qualities that make Iranian wool the ideal foundation for traditional Gabbeh production.

For Tufenkian, wool has always been the starting point for evaluating a rug. This has been true since the earliest years of production.

All of our Gabbeh rugs are woven from remarkable Iranian sheep’s wool. This sets them apart from the majority of Gabbeh rugs on the market, many of which come from India, Pakistan, and other countries using highly processed wools from different breeds. These wools lack the unique climatic conditions and natural qualities that make Iranian wool the ideal foundation for traditional Gabbeh production.

Why Iranian Wool Matters

• It has long, strong fibers that help prevent shedding
• It is naturally shiny and takes natural dyes beautifully
• It allows for deep color penetration and rich pigmentation
• It retains some lanolin which helps resist soil and improves cleanability
• It has natural shade variation that produces the subtle abrash prized in fine handmade rugs

All yarns are hand carded, hand spun, and dyed in small batches using either natural sheep colors or vegetable dyes. These dyes remain stable over time and resist fading from sunlight and washing.

The result is wool with genuine personality and depth, creating Gabbeh rugs with integrity, character, and long-term durability.

Gabbeh Rug Designs

Authentic Gabbeh rugs cannot be repeated in a standardized way. Their individuality comes from the freedom given to each artisan, and this spontaneity is central to their value. Many contemporary imitations lose this spirit by trying to systemize the process or standardize colors and patterns.

Our Gabbeh rug designs preserve the sense of improvisation found in the original tribal weavings. Over the last decade, our collections have featured bold, richly colored pieces that express a scene or emotion, as well as subtle, modern color fields reminiscent of Rothko’s artistic sensibilities.

These rugs work beautifully in both contemporary spaces and more traditional interiors. They bring depth and individuality to rooms and can complement fine art as well as eclectic, layered decor.

Large sizes in true Persian Gabbeh rugs are rare due to their origins in nomadic communities, and pieces in room-sized dimensions are correspondingly more valuable.

Discover Gabbeh Rugs

Traditionally woven by local artisans for their own use, Gabbeh rugs are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Each rug is a unique work of art and a reflection of generational storytelling.

Today, authentic Persian Gabbeh rugs remain limited in supply within the United States. We are proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and carefully curated selections currently available, featuring exceptional examples of this beloved genre.

Enjoy exploring our collection of Gabbeh rugs. Discover a handmade piece that resonates with your home and your style.

Test Drive any artisanal Gabbeh rug from our collection and experience why Gabbeh rugs remain celebrated as true works of art.