What are Gabbeh Rugs?
Gabbeh (can also be spelled Gabbe) rugs are a variety of Persian rugs. The word Gabbeh itself means raw, natural and uncut. The word itself can best describe what the rug is. They are coarsely woven rugs and are considered the world’s best-known in its category.
One unique characteristic of a Gabbeh rug is its thickness which can be an inch in depth. Also, they are much coarser than most rugs. Designs include traditional geometric patterns but are often symbolic to the weaver. Traditionally, these rugs are made by women and the women’s spirit and artisanship are included in the design. So a design can also be about an animal or a person. More intricate rugs depict scenery or a landscape. Some designs can even be used to convey an emotion, usually the weaver’s own feeling while making the rug.
There are 5 categories that Gabbeh rugs can fall into: the Basic Gabbeh, the Amalehbaft Gabbeh, the Kashkoli Gabbeh, the Luribaft Gabbeh, the Gabbeh Sumak and the Baluch Sumak. The Basic Gabbeh, or the traditional kind, has a coarse weave and is a thick pile of wool. In terms of design and colors, this Gabbeh has basic shapes and simple colors. The Amalehbaft Gabbeh is a level higher than the Basic Gabbeh as it features a medium weave and can feature more colors. Although patterns are still simplistic, the addition of more colors can light up a room without being too distracting. The Kashkoli Gabbeh and the Luribaft Gabbeh both have fine weaves and are short, soft pile rugs. The difference between the 2 rugs can be distinguished in the design. The Kashkoli Gabbeh has little or no design while the Luribaft Gabbeh has more intricate designs inspired by other Persian rugs. The Gabbeh Sumak and the Baluch Sumak are not considered pile rugs rather flat woven rugs. The Gabbeh Sumak feature very intricate designs that are often tribal inspired. The Baluch Sumak is not as colorful as its counterpart but its detailed tribal design element make up for the lack of color richness.
Unfortunately, there are many “imitation” Gabbeh rugs masquerading as authentic. It is a good thing that there is a major difference between the authentic rug from the “knock-off”. One of the major differences is the quality of the wool used. Authentic Gabbeh carpets have softer wool and are more durable. Simply put, the quality is better.
Although these rugs are very expensive, collectors and even homeowners buy them for their design elements and uniqueness from other Asian rugs. It is definitely worth every penny that you spend when you buy the Gabbeh rug.