Korsi

For the village in Iran, see Korsi, Iran.

A korsi or korsí (Persian: کرسی) is a type of low table found in Iran and Afghanistan, with a heater underneath it, and blankets thrown over it. It is a traditional item of furniture in Iranian culture. A family or other gathering sits on the floor around the korsi during the winter. A korsi used to be quite popular for entire families to gather together during yearly Yaldā celebrations.

A korsi in Nain Anthropology Museum

Persian korsí

Korsis are generally heated with electric elements or, traditionally, with a brazier containing hot coals that is placed under the table. Sometimes a coal brazier is placed in a hole dug previously before placing a korsi, this hole is then covered with wood timbers in warm seasons. The table is covered with a thick cloth called lahaf korsi (Persian: لحاف کرسی) overhanging on all sides to keep its occupants warm. The occupants sit on large cushions around the korsi with the cloth over their laps.

A special woven rug called ru korsi (Persian: روکرسی), is usually placed over any blankets to protect them from food stains. Jajim textiles are sometimes used as the blankets for a korsi.

See also

• Foot stove, a similar Dutch item
• Kotatsu, a similar Japanese item

References

• Arasteh, Reza & Josephine (1970). Man and society in Iran. Leiden: E. J. Brill. p. 138.

External links

• Media related to Korsi at Wikimedia Commons