Abadeh — Northern Fars Tradition

The town of Abadeh sits on the historic caravan route between Isfahan and Shiraz, in the northern Fars region of southern Persia. Its rugs are known for crisp drawing, a firm handle and clear colour, reflecting the artistic influence of the Qashqai nomads who traverse this region. This semi-antique piece, from the 1950s–60s, carries the Zil-i-Sultan pattern, a classical design of the region.

Colour and Composition

The Zil-i-Sultan (“Shadow of the Sultan”) is a dense allover repeat of small flower vases and rose sprays — here worked across the whole field in staggered rows rather than around a central medallion. Tight little bouquets of roses, carnations and stylised blossoms in red, navy blue, orange, green and black are scattered over a luminous ivory ground, so closely set that the field reads as a continuous flowering carpet. The composition is framed by multiple borders: a red main border with a floral vine and an ivory boteh (paisley) guard stripe. The colours are clear and full, with the gentle mellowing that comes with age.

Presence in the Room

At 150 × 208 cm (3.1 m²) this is a medium-format piece. Three contexts in which the Abadeh Zil-i-Sultan comes into its own:

• Living room accent: in front of a sofa or beneath a coffee table, the ivory ground and dense flowering field bring warmth to a traditional or transitional interior.
• Bedroom or study: the medium scale and rich palette sit well beside a bed or beneath a reading area.
• Hallway or gallery wall: the dense, readable pattern suits a hallway or a gallery wall.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zil-i-Sultan design?
Zil-i-Sultan — “Shadow of the Sultan” — is a classical Persian pattern of small flower vases and rose sprays, repeated in rows across the field. It became popular in the 19th century and is especially associated with the towns of Abadeh and Shiraz.

What does “semi-antique” mean?
In the rug trade, “antique” usually means roughly 100 years or older, while “semi-antique” describes pieces of around 50 to 90 years. This Abadeh dates from about 1950–1960, placing it in the semi-antique range — old enough to show the soft patina and mellowed colour of age, while remaining a fully usable floor rug.

How do I care for a semi-antique wool rug?
Regular vacuuming without a beater bar is the basic care — vacuum in the direction of the pile. On smooth floors we recommend an anti-slip underlay. Blot spills immediately with cold water and a light cotton cloth, never rub. For an older piece we recommend professional hand washing rather than machine or dry cleaning — see our professional rug cleaning service.

Djoharian — Since 1967

Founded in 1967, with roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran and more than five decades of experience in the international rug trade. Djoharian is also a Label STEP certified dealer for fair-trade knotted rugs (new production).

Service and Delivery

Every piece is expertly inspected in our atelier in Lohr am Main before dispatch. Secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured, and personal consultation in our showroom or by video call.