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12x15 Area Rugs
Zahar Shah Carpet 13'8" x 10'4"
Overview
This diligently hand-knotted area rug is made of 100% pure lamb’s wool. Wool is a natural material, representing a healthy choice that is environmentally friendly with a long list of benefits. The pile of this wool rug is hygienic and non-allergenic, as the natural pile also deters the growth of bacteria and dust mites. It represents a great choice for asthma sufferers due to its natural filtering ability. The rug feels soft under the foot while remaining wear-resistant and long-lasting. With proper maintenance tailored to its needs, this rug can last over 75 years.
Finishing:
The finishing of this carpet was done using centuries old traditional techniques. Once its laborious hand-knotting was completed, it was rolled and entirely submerged in a sanitizing bath where its fibers fully absorbed all cleaning liquid. After which it was laid flat on the ground where a team of cleaners used wooden oar-like paddles to push the water through its fibers and draw out impurities. Oar strokes were done in sync to prevent the carpet from getting torn. Each stroke tightened the knots even further. No machines were involved in its washing or drying.
Afghan Rugs & Carpets
Afghan carpets usually refer to rugs traditionally made in Afghanistan. However, many of these carpets today are also woven by Afghan refugees who reside in Pakistan and Iran. Between 1979 and 1992, around one million Afghans, including thousands of rug-weavers, fled Afghanistan during the Soviet Union occupation period.
Afghan rugs are well-constructed, durable and made up of lovely designs. They reflect the heritage of cottage-based craftsmanship passed through generations.
Carpets from Afghanistan can be divided into two categories: Turkmen carpets (also known as Turkoman) and Baluchi carpets. Most of these carpets have more in common with the tribal weavings of Central Asia in terms of color, design and weave than with their Persian counterparts. Contemporary Afghan weavers continue to create traditional rugs with designs passed down from generations passed.
Their carpets are often woven on small portable looms and are mainly produced to adorn their personal homes. Most are made up of Persian knots and many feature vegetable-dyed hand-spun Afghan wool. Some weavers employ yarn that has been dyed naturally however it is common to use pre-dyed wool yarn, which is readily available in the local towns and villages. The pre-dyed wool can be used alone or in combination with naturally dyed yarn. Natural dyes are plant and vegetable based.
Various qualities of pile carpets are available, ranging from coarse to medium in weave, including felted wool carpets (Namads), flat non-pile fabric woven carpets (Kilims), and pile and knotted carpets made from wool, silk, and cotton. The process of creating a hand knotted rug is laborious one that typically takes six to nine months to weave. To learn more about afghan rugs, visit our Afghan Rugs section.
Sources and inspiration: Bérinstain, Valérie, et al. L'art du tapis dans le monde (The art of carpets in the world). Paris: Mengès, 1996. Print.; Jerrehian Jr., Aram K.A. Oriental Rug Primer. Philadelphia: Running Press, 1980. Print.; Herbert, Janice Summers. Oriental Rugs, New York: Macmillan, 1982. Print.; Hackmack, Adolf. Chinese Carpets and Rugs, Rutland and Tokyo: Tuttle, 1980. Print. ; De Moubray, Amicia, and David Black. Carpets for the home, London: Laurence King Publishing, 1999. Print.; Jacobsen, Charles. Oriental Rugs A Complete Guide, Rutland and Tokyo: Tuttle, 1962. Print.; Bashir, S. (n.d.). Personal interview.; Web site sources and dates of consultation vary (to be confirmed). Without prejudice to official usage.
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