Introducing an exquisite handwoven rug from Afghanistan, featuring a stunning design known as Mamluk. This tribal-style rug showcases a captivating combination of navy background and a vibrant red border, creating a visually striking and timeless piece.
Crafted by skilled Turkmen weavers, predominantly from the Esari Subtribe, this rug is made from high-quality wool sourced from sheep in the Ghazni Province of South East Afghanistan. The mountainous terrain of the region naturally yields longer staple, oily wool, ideal for carpet weaving. The raw Ghazni wool is carefully hand carted and spun into carpet yarn around Herat on the western side of Afghanistan.
Using traditional floor looms in their own homes, the weavers employ an asymmetrical "Persian" knot type to create this masterpiece. The warp and weft consist of cotton, providing a sturdy foundation, while the pile is composed of wool. The carpet is double wefted and woven with a heavily packed, depressed warp, ensuring exceptional durability and longevity.
Delving into the history of natural dyes, the captivating blue hue of this rug stems from indigofera tinctoria, also known as true indigo. Derived from the leaves of the indigo plant, this dye has been utilized for thousands of years, offering vibrant blue shades for various cultures around the world.
The striking red color in this rug comes from natural madder root dyes. Extracted from the roots of the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum), this dye has been cultivated for centuries, yielding warm and cool red, orange, pink, and brown shades. Celebrated in diverse cultures globally, madder root dyes add a touch of elegance to this remarkable rug.
Measuring 9'0" x 11'10", this rug boasts a knot density of 162 knots per square inch. Based on this calculation, our meticulous weavers have painstakingly tied a grand total of 2,473,546 knots by hand, showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Indulge in the rich history and artistry of this Afghani Mamluk rug, a true treasure for any collector or interior enthusiast.