Antique Persian Khamseh Rug Size: 8' × 10'5" Date: 1920s Material: Wool on Wool The Khamseh confederation is a grouping of five tribes from the Fars province of southern Iran, weaving in a tradition closely related to their Qashqai neighbours. Their rugs tend toward bold tribal geometry, rich madder fields, and a spontaneous quality that sets them apart from more formal workshop production. This example has three large connected diamond medallions running vertically down a deep red field, each outlined in ivory and filled with angular tribal motifs and stylized symbolic devices. The surrounding field is packed with small scatter motifs — rosettes, crosses, birds, and geometric forms — that fill every corner without a formal arrangement. It has the characteristic Khamseh density where the eye keeps finding new detail. The border is multi-layered, with an ivory main border carrying a bold reciprocal vine pattern and several narrow guard borders stacked on either side. The palette runs deep — madder red, navy, ivory, amber, and warm brown — all in naturally dyed wool that has taken on a rich, warm tone with age. A solid tribal piece at a useful room size.