Persian Qoltuq area rug with red and navy geometric medallion border

Persian Qoltuq rug close-up showing border diamonds and central medallion

Persian Qoltuq area rug with red border, navy accents, and central medallion

Persian Qoltuq rug close-up with gray field, red florals, and navy accents

Persian Qoltuq rug close-up with orange-red, navy, and cream geometric patterns

Persian Qoltuq rug close-up showing red and navy pile and braided edge

Persian Qoltuq rug close-up of dark blue and red border with repeating motifs

Persian Qoltuq area rug with navy field and red central medallion, angled view

Persian Qoltuq rug corner with fringed trim and gray center weave pattern

Persian Qoltuq rug close-up of central medallion with red, navy, and beige

Persian Qoltuq rug corner detail with red, navy, and cream geometric motifs

Persian Qoltuq area rug with red and blue pattern panel and detailed border

Persian Qoltuq rug with multicolor geometric medallion pattern and fringed edge

Persian Qoltuq rug corner panel with red, navy, and ivory geometric motifs

Vintage Qoltuq Rug — Khonchali Motifs in Rust & Indigo | 4'3" × 6'8"

$1,079.00

Description
SPECS

Qoltuq is a village near Khodabandeh, in the Ijrud area of central Zanjan, on the Dandi road towards Bijar. Its proximity to Bijar, and the similarities between the rugs of the two areas, mean that Qoltuq rugs are sometimes sold as Bijar. Rug specialists can readily distinguish them, however, by their different weaving and knotting techniques.

The finest and most valuable weavings from this area are surviving works of the Afshar tribe, whose work has given Qoltuq rugs an international reputation. Older Qoltuq rugs have particularly pleasing, eye-catching palettes, including light blue, pale orange, beige, brown and black, among other colours.

This Qoltuq rug features the Khonchali, or ‘khoncha-bearing’, design, referring to a ceremonial tray. Locally, it is mistakenly called the ‘samovar’ design.

In the second volume of his book Azerbaijani Carpet, the distinguished late scholar Latif Karimov classified this design within the Quba group as Gymyl, named after a village eighteen kilometres from Quba. Drawing on local usage, he identified it as Khonchali, or ‘khoncha-bearing’, or Nishan Nimchasi, meaning ‘betrothal plate’. These names are rooted in local customs involving the use of rugs for special tribal and national occasions and ceremonies.

Some European and American scholars of Caucasian rugs also call this design Kabala or Gabala, relating the name to qabala, a deed or document, and believe that the design originated in Dagestan.

Within Iran’s rug-weaving traditions, this design has appeared in various compositions in areas including Tabriz, Ardabil, Kurdistan, Zanjan, Hamadan and Malayer.

The patterns and motifs of rugs can be the written language of people from the past. To record what they saw—their natural surroundings, culture, habits and traditions—they set knots upon the warp and weft. One knot rests beside another, and row by row, their heritage and culture are made enduring.

In this rug’s central medallion, we see a symbol of an eight-sided world enclosing an eight-pointed star that represents the centre of creation.

The medallion’s pendant represents the gateway to paradise in ancient Turkic beliefs. The corner spandrels on either side contain stylized dragon motifs that serve as guardians of this gateway.

Designs rooted in nomadic heritage are often rich in mythical and legendary symbols that can be read as a historical text. Seen in this light, this rug can itself be considered a historical text.

Judging by its palette and the forms of its motifs, this rug is approximately 60 years old.

Origin: Qoltuq, Persia
Materials: Hand-knotted hand-spun wool pile on cotton foundation, vegetable-dyed
Age: Second half of the 20th century
Size: 4' 3" x 6' 8" (130 x 202 cm)

Origin:

Persia

Locality:

Qoltuq

Nominal Size (ft):

4x7
4x6

Age Category:

Vintage

Color, Design and Pattern:

Geometric
Red

Pile Material:

Wool

Foundation Material:

Cotton

Suitable Spaces:

Dining Room
Bedroom
Kitchen
Nursery

Please Consider

Our rugs are truly unique and crafted with care. Their vintage and handmade nature means they may have imperfections and signs of wear, which add character. Each rug is handmade, so it may not be a perfect rectangle.

We strive to capture the rugs’ true colors in daylight photography, but they might appear slightly different in low-light environments or on different screen settings.

We’re happy to provide photos taken in different lighting or answer any questions.

Feel free to reach out if you need more information or assistance.

Sustainability

For every rug you purchase, we plant one tree.

Choosing vintage and antique rugs reduces waste, lowers the demand for new materials, and extends product lifespan—reducing your carbon footprint. Our rugs are crafted from natural and recyclable materials, promoting sustainability and environmental friendliness.

Shipping & Returns

Canada and USA

We offer free domestic shipping in both countries. Your order will ship locally, so you will not have to pay any import duties or taxes.

Worldwide

Affordable and fast shipping is available for all international destinations, including locations in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania (including Australia). Please contact us for a quote, and we will provide the exact shipping cost based on your item.

All orders are processed within 1 to 5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email. You will receive another notification once your order has shipped.

Refund policy

We accept returns up to 7 days after delivery if the item is unused and in its original condition, and we will refund the full order amount of item(s), but our valued customer is responsible to pay the shipping cost.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at hello@rugtherock.com.

Care Instructions

Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming keeps your rug looking its best and extends its lifespan, reducing the need for professional cleaning. For best results, vacuum both the front and back sides of the rug from side to side, avoiding the fringes.

Spills

If spills occur, blot them immediately with a cloth. Then spray water on the spot and blot again, repeating as needed. For pet urine, spray white vinegar to help break down the enzymes that cause odor.

Professional Rug Cleaning

It’s generally recommended to have your rug professionally cleaned every five years, but trust your instincts—if it appears to need cleaning, don’t hesitate to have it washed. Hand-knotted carpets should never be dry cleaned or steam cleaned. Wall-to-wall carpet cleaning companies are usually not a good option. Always choose a professional rug cleaner who specializes in cleaning fine, handwoven carpets. If you’re in the GTA, we can provide professional rug cleaning for you!

Rug Pads

Using a rug pad with your vintage rug may extend its life and provide extra traction and protection for your floors. To learn more about the pros and cons of rug pads, read this article.