What is a Gabbeh rug?
Among the most popular and revered tribal Persian rugs are Gabbehs. The simple designs and thick, plush texture has earned Gabbeh rugs die-hard fans around the world.
The word “Gabbeh” comes from Farsi and means “uncut,” “natural,” or “raw.” Despite the connotations of those words, Gabbeh rugs are anything but rough.
The first Gabbeh rugs were made in similar conditions to Moroccan Beni-Ourain rugs, to ward against the cold in the Zagros mountains of Iran. Made with hand-spun wool and natural dyes, these rugs are far thicker than most other Persian rugs, with some even being close to having a shag pile. Their designs are typically very simple, relying on large fields of solid colors and occasional agricultural symbols. This simplicity lends to their rustic charm and makes them very popular in modern homes.