Large Traditional Hand Knotted Tribal Wool Rug, circa 1920

Large tribal carpet or rug with magnificent vivid colors and interesting Art Deco motifs. A wonderful example displaying a vibrant tribal sensibility, carpets like this also draw upon the classical weaving traditions from earlier centuries.

This is a great authentic example that shows the continuity of weaving traditions well into the 20th century. A great find.

The quintessential rug, wool-on-wool with a repeated octagonal figure on a red field. Contains very vivid colors: a rather bright red and a blue so deep that it looks black.

Very good condition, needs minor restoration. We can get this rug restored for you by an expert that we deal with in the area, fee provided upon request.

In the trade it is called simply Afghan or Dulatabad. Afghan rugss are made by Turkmen weavers in northern Afghanistan. A hundred years ago the guls (as the octagonal figures are properly called) were large — often 16 inches wide in bigger rugs. Guls have become smaller over the years until today they most often are no more than several inches across. As the guls have shrunk, so has the range of colors in the rugs. Today most Afghans contain only two colors: a rather bright red and a blue so deep that it looks black. Still, Afghan rugs have survived because they are basically so appealing.