Persian Saveh Wool – 2.05×1.26

Saveh rugs originate from Saveh, located in northwestern Iran, just south of Tehran and is home to the Shahsavan tribe. Shahsavan literally means “For those who love the Shah” in Farsi and is a title bestowed upon warriors in the 17th century who were defending the northern border of Persia. The majority of Saveh rugs are small pieces and rug runner styles as a result of being woven by nomadic people that used looms that were compact, making them easy to dismantle and transport when relocation became necessary. Early Saveh rugs are geometric, with tribal designs in either an allover or medallion style. The allover patterns have tribal design elements such as flower heads, Hook and S motifs, animals, and birds. The medallion style has one, two, or three pendant-shaped medallions mostly in an Open Field background. The borders generally have an alternating large leaf with flower head motif.Saveh field and border colorations are mostly reds, dark blue, browns, and ivory. In addition, different shades of blue, green, gray, and gold are used for the medallion, design elements, and outlines.

Saveh rugs are known in the antique market from the late nineteenth century.