Afghan Kilim Rugs
In Turkish, the word 'kilim' refers to a flat weaving technique that produces a pileless rug. Most kilims are made in Afghanistan. Afghan Kilims are more durable and practical than Anatolian and Caucasian Kilims; they stick better to the floor and are ideal for any room.
Kilim is among the oldest known rug types. It is an ancient type of weaving. True kilims are hand-woven rugs made using a technique that results in a low pile, flatwoven rug. Kilims generally consist of 100% wool, including the warps and wefts.
Kilims do not have a pile like other Oriental or Persian rugs. Due to their low profile construction, they are reversible from both front and back and can use the "slit weave" technique, which leaves a gap between two blocks of colour.
Kilim differs from carpets because its pattern and surface are not created by stitching over a warp. Weaving Kilim is done using weft balls or shuttles that go back and forth between warps. This produces a thinner, flat rug with the same back and front.
Afghan kilims feature original colour combinations, and a thin wire is added to make them stronger and more durable during the working process. This reduces separations in the design. Kilims usually feature bright colours like red, rust, white and blue. Pink, green and gold are common as well. Kilims are commonly dyed with vegetable-based or natural dyes. Kilim designs often result in geometric patterns with bold, sharp motifs, although floral designs are not unknown as well as more minimalist, contemporary designs.
Afghan Chobi Rugs: Handmade Chobi Persian-style rugs are made in Afghanistan, near Pakistan. Chobi rugs are made using vertical looms, giving them a refined symmetrical look and these rugs are handcrafted to last for generations.
Afghan Turkmen Rugs: Depending on the region, Turkoman rugs (or Turkmen rugs) can be from Uzbekistan or Afghanistan. These designs are attributed to various Turkmen tribes. Generally, there are three types of Turkmen rug: Bashir, Tekke and Yomut.
They feature plain and simple patterns and a coarser design. They are predominantly red, and area-wide designs are common.
Apart from Sarouk carpets made in Maruchak and Mauris, manufactured around Herat in Afghanistan's west, Turkoman carpets are woven only in the north of the country, between Maimanah and Kunduz.
Afghan Kazak Rugs: Afghan Kazak carpets are popular, sought after and one of the most well-known rugs with a traditional design. With its bold colour combinations and geometric illustrations, it is recognised worldwide. Rug lovers prefer Kazak rugs for their quality and value for money. In addition, they make unique accent floor coverings for both modern and traditional settings.
Since ancient times, Kazak rugs have been adding luxury, comfort and prestige to homes. In the past, Kazak rugs were symbols of status, woven with silver and gold. You found them in churches, palaces and large houses.
Wool pile, formed by hand-tied knots, is woven onto cotton warp threads in these stunning rugs. Older versions of these rugs often had woollen warps.
Afghan Herati Rugs: Herati rugs are from western Afghanistan. Herat was historically one of the most important artistic centres in the Middle East, and it remains a thriving centre of the arts today. Rugs from Herat are distinguished by the high level of craftsmanship which goes into them, using a very tight weave to fit many knots into a small area.
Afghan Ziegler Rugs: The Ziegler Rug Company began producing carpets in Arak, Persia, in the 1870s. Previously, the British company exported cloth products to Persia. Ziegler carpets and rugs are often stone washed as a finish to achieve a washed-out look but this is not always the case for rugs of this popular, traditional design.