5'4 x 7'11 Persian Afshar Rug | Tribal Boteh Vase Design | Ivory Navy and Burgundy

This hand-knotted Persian Afshar rug measures 5'4 x 7'11 and is a superb example of the bold, expressive weaving tradition of the Afshar tribal communities of southern Iran. Unlike many tribal rugs that are thin and loosely knotted, this piece carries an exceptionally thick, plush pile of approximately 3/8 inch, giving it a substantial, luxurious feel underfoot that is far more typical of premium workshop rugs than of tribal production. The entire field is covered in a powerful allover repeating design of stylized boteh forms and geometric vase motifs arranged in vertical columns across a warm ivory ground, creating a composition that is simultaneously bold, graphic, and deeply rooted in the nomadic artistic traditions of the Afshar weavers. The rug is in brand new, never-used condition with full pile height throughout and vibrant, saturated colors.

Design and Motifs

The field of this rug is organized into a dense, rhythmic allover pattern of two alternating primary motifs arranged in vertical columns that repeat across the full width and length of the ivory ground. The first and most prominent motif is a large stylized vase or urn form, rendered in a highly geometric, abstracted tribal vocabulary. These vase forms are drawn with stepped, angular outlines and filled with a bold diamond interior, appearing alternately in deep navy and rich burgundy red. Each vase sits on a small stepped base and is crowned with a serrated or bracket-like upper edge, giving it an architectural quality that is characteristic of Afshar tribal expression. Between and flanking the vase forms, tall narrow tree-like boteh motifs rise in repeating columns, each one composed of a vertical stem with symmetrically branching serrated leaf forms rendered in dark navy against the ivory ground, creating the appearance of stylized cypress or fern fronds. Between rows, small angular connecting motifs, hooked forms, and tiny diamond accents fill the remaining ground, leaving almost no empty ivory space and creating an all-over visual density that gives the composition tremendous energy. The narrow ivory inner border carries a repeating small geometric vine, while the wide dark navy middle border carries a bold diagonal stripe pattern in burgundy and ivory. An outer ivory guard border with repeating roundel and cross motifs completes the layered border system.

Colors and Placement

The ground of the field is a warm, golden ivory that gives the overall composition an open and luminous quality despite the density of the motifs. The vase forms alternate between two dominant accent colors: a deep, saturated burgundy red and a rich dark navy blue, both of which read with striking contrast against the light ivory ground. The tree and boteh column motifs are rendered primarily in dark navy and black, adding a strong graphic presence that ties the composition together vertically. Secondary accents of golden amber appear in small diamond details and connecting motifs, adding warmth and preventing the palette from becoming too stark. Touches of olive green, warm brown, dusty taupe, and pale pink appear as secondary details throughout the field and border, adding variety without disrupting the dominant ivory, navy, and burgundy scheme. At 5'4 x 7'11 this rug is ideal for a bedroom, a study, a formal sitting room, or as a bold accent in a living room. The high-contrast ivory and dark palette pairs naturally with dark wood floors, leather furniture, and both traditional and eclectic interiors. The thick pile height also makes it an excellent choice for a room where comfort underfoot is a priority alongside visual impact.

Origin and Construction

The Afshar are a Turkic tribal confederation historically settled in the Kerman province of southern Iran, where they have maintained a rich weaving tradition for centuries. Afshar rugs are among the most collectible tribal Persian rugs, prized for their bold geometric designs, strong color contrasts, and the expressive, non-repeating quality that distinguishes hand-knotted tribal work from factory production. This piece is notable for its unusually generous pile height of approximately 3/8 inch, which is significantly thicker than most Afshar tribal rugs and reflects the use of high-quality, generously spun wool in its construction. The wool pile is knotted onto a cotton foundation, which provides structural stability and prevents the rug from distorting or curling over time. The result is a tribal rug that combines the visual character and authenticity of traditional Afshar weaving with a physical presence and durability that will serve both as a statement piece and as a long-lasting floor covering for generations.