SOLD Vintage Afghan Rug

Origin: These rugs are generally woven by Afghan refugees living in northern Pakistan, around Lahore, who fled Afghanistan amid war with the Soviet Union.

Age: 1980s, 40-50 years old.

Design: Floral medallion design that is heavily inspired by rugs of the Caucasus region. These rugs are sometimes called “kazak,” though that is only in relation to the design of true kazak rugs from a region of what is now generally northern Armenia, south west Azerbaijan, and south east Georgia. A medallion of a sun cross (a symbol of the sun/stars) sits in the center surrounded by meandering vines, blooms, and elaborate floral vases. Either end of the field is decorated with rosettes (eternity symbols), additional sun crosses, and other abstract floral blooms. The primary border features what rug literature calls the “crab” design, however it is also referred to as a sun or star blossom. Some Armenian rug scholars say it is actually a Jerusalem cross motif, as the negative space creates a cruciform and the feet create four additional crosses surrounding it.

Colors: Entirely natural plant dyes. Reds and oranges from madder root, blues from indigo, yellow from vine leaves, green from overdyed yellow and blue, and a lovely natural golden/ivory wool. Very nice color variation from small batch dye lots.

Foundation: Wool warp and double wool or wool/cotton blend weft. Very nice side finish of four cords of wool wrapped in alternating red and blue.

Pile: Hand spun and carded wool clipped short to reveal detail of the design.

Size: ~ 4 feet by 6 feet.

Knotting: Symmetrical

Condition: Very good condition with minimal signs of wear, which is limited to the corners and slight wear to the side cords.