Rug Types

Rug Types:

Aamu
The Aamu takes its name from the Amu Derya river which forms the border between Afghanistan and Central Asia. These carpets are woven by Hazara weavers and like other Hazara carpets are finely woven with a symmetrical (Turkish) knot and a supple handle. These rugs are woven on cotton foundations. The superior strength of the cotton foundation thread allows the knots to be tightly packed resulting in a more intricate and defined design. Aamu rugs are most often made in 19th Century Persian decorative designs.
Afghani
Afghani rugs and carpets are often woven of handspun wool, although Kahl Mahmet rugs, commonly from Andkhuy or Daulatabad, are generally woven with high quality New Zealand wool and chrome based chemical dyes (non fading, non bleeding). Pricing for Afghani rugs varies greatly. Although there is a low standard of living in Afghanistan, travel to the war-torn area is difficult. These rugs were purchased in the bazaars of Peshawar and Lahore, Pakistan.
Azeri
Azeri rugs are made in northeastern Turkey by Azeri and Kurd tribespeople who delight in a profusion of bright, primary colors. The weave has a heavy, Bidjar-like density. Wool comes from fat-tailed Karaman sheep that are summer-pastured in the high mountains. Dense fibers result in a hard, heavy yarn that is especially resistant to wear. Plants and roots used for dyes are grown locally. Each village forms its own cooperative, joining with other villages to establish dye centers and weaving schools for young people. We offer an educational video (This Beautiful Country) which presents the weaving culture of northern Turkey.
Baghlani
Baghlani are a Pushto speaking tribe that migrated from Uzbekistan to Beluchistan within the past twenty years. Their rugs revolve around one basic design. Whether rugs or runners, in each case there is a central medallion filled with palmettes, and a surrounding field filled with similar palmettes. Wool is hand spun, hand carded Karaqul wool from the mountains of Afghanistan, and the colors are derived from local natural dyestuffs. Baghlani are often woven on a wool foundation.
Dobag
Dobag is a Turkish language acronym for Natural Dye research and Development Project. The project was the first modern production to distribute rugs made with natural dyes and handspun wool. Weavers are members of a weaving cooperative that buys and markets rugs made by weavers in northwestern Turkey. Designs are traditional and local to towns in the weaving areas of Kozak and Cennakale.
Gabbeh
Gabbehs have traditionally been woven by such nomads of southern Persia as the Q'ashgai and Luri, and weavers from the Khamseh confederation. Occasionally phony Gabbehs woven in Turkey or India will be offered as the genuine article. Genuine Gabbehs stand out distinctively from other groups of rugs. Their abstract illustrations and expressionist colors do not harmonize with conventional notions of an oriental rug. Natural dyes are childlike and vivid, the pile is exceptionally thick, and the weave is loose. Gabbehs are extremely heavy and very thick.
Hazara
The Hazara - a Shiite Muslim tribe living in central Afghanistan - send us low-pile rugs of finely woven lustrous wool and natural dyes, in distinctly geometric designs reminiscent of antique Caucasian rugs. They are made with Turkish, or symmetrical knotting, rather than with the Persian, or asymmetrical knotting found in Aryana rugs. The wool in these rugs is exceptionally lustrous and the natural dyes take to the handspun wool beautifully. These rugs glow. They still constitute a fairly limited production, and are certain to accrue value within the very near future.
Kazak
The largest group of the Caucasian rugs are Kazaks of various types. These are rugs made in south central Caucasus, stretching from Erivan in Armenia to Tiflis in Georgia. Kazaks were produced both as high-piled rugs from mountain areas and as low-piled rugs from the valleys, villages and settlements, many of which have their own easily recognizable characteristics and elements.
Known for their bold designs and bright harmonious colors and good quality dyes, some of the most spectacular geometrically designed rugs found anywhere in the east originated here.
Nooristan
The Nooristan Family carpets feature weavers from Afghanistan’s mountain province of Nooristan. The line constitutes the most finely woven carpets produced anywhere in the world. With all hand carded, hand spun wool, the rugs are complex, delicate and intricate. The typical carpet contains at least 13 different vegetable dye colors. The finely handspun wool used and the extraordinary weave give these carpets a subtle and beautiful character.
Samsun
From the villages near Hereke, in Turkey, we obtain the very rare Samsun rugs, which are made with handspun wool and natural dyes. These rugs are exceptionally finely woven, with very high knot counts, and often with floral rather than geometric tribal designs. These rugs will probably not be made in the near future. They are too expensive to produce. Their fine floral designs are considered collectable in the European market. We bought the contents of one warehouse and only have eight left.
Shirvan
Shirvan is one of the principal weaving areas of the Caucasus stretching from the central east coast some 400 km inland and encompassing towns which produce particular design variations common to the Shirvan group. These include Bidjov, Marasali, Khila, Surahani, Baku and Saliani. The Shirvan rugs are noted as being some of the finest rugs from Caucasian. They are usually thin and densely knotted. The warp threads are usually light and undyed brown sheep's wool spun together. The wefts are light and thin, and selvages are usually white over double or triple threads. Cotton wefts are also seen, as are silk wefts
Tibet 60 knot, 100 knot, Gaun Nauksha
From Project for Cultural Survival we purchase rugs made by Tibetan refugees in Nepal. 60 knot refers to the gauge of the wool used in the weave. 60 knot is a coarser yarn than 100 knot. Out Tibetan rugs are woven of lanolin-rich Himalayan highland wool, sheared from Tibetan sheep raised on the grasslands of the central plateau. This is a luxurious and hard-wearing long-staple wool resulting in rugs soft enough to be used as sleeping mats. Designs and colors are traditional, often modern and surprisingly sophisticated, and derive from the old Buddhist culture of Tibet. Younger weavers present us with Gaon Nauksha, folk rugs that picture village life. All dyes used are indigenous to Nepal. We have a selection of Tibetan antique rugs as well as these wonderful new ones.
Tibetan Folk Life Design
These imaginative carpets reflect the inherent skills and playful color sense of the Tibetan weavers. Each carpet is unique and special. Construction: Hand Knotted from Hand Spun wool. Tibetan Folk Life Design Origin: Hand Woven in Nepal
Yatak
Yatak means "bed rug" in Turkish. The wool used in Yataks is the same as is used in the more expensive Azeri carpets. These rugs are woven by Kurdish people who make these rugs with a weave that is traditionally fairly loose, although the pile is very heavy and the rugs are quite thick. The high wool quality and dense pile makes these rugs appropriate sleeping mats, which is what they have been used for over the centuries. Designs range from traditional to playful contemporary designs. Colors are generally vivid and cheerful.
Zamin
From the very small villages in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh province in India come these wonderful thick carpets called Zamin. "Zamin" means earth, or land in both Persian and Hindi. The wool is hand combed and hand spun, then dyed with pure plant dyes collected from India and Nepal. These rugs are very heavy, all the weight is in the pile. A 10'x14' Zamin carpet weighs approximately 165 lb! Zamin carpet designs run a range from modern to classical Persian designs, but favor the more primitive designs such as Gabbeh.
Project for Cultural Survival
Those organization is dedicated to helping indigenous peoples retain their ethnic identity. In this case, the Project funds native tribal people whose culture has produced rugs for centuries. In both the Tibet and the Ersari projects, the proceeds are used to establish schools both for the weavers' children and for other tribespeople who want their children to learn to read and write. Since many of the students are girls, this will mark a distinct turn in their society's acceptance of women. In many cases, these children are the first in their family to develop these skills. We are proud to be associated with such a wonderful undertaking. Their product is wonderful as well.




Rug Types: *Aamu* The Aamu takes its name from the Amu Derya river which forms the border between Afghanistan and Central Asia. These carpets are woven by Hazara weavers and like other Hazara carpets are finely woven with a symmetrical (Turkish) knot and a supple handle. These rugs are woven on cotton foundations. The superior strength of the cotton foundation thread allows the knots to be tightly packed resulting in a more intricate and defined design. Aamu rugs are most often made in 19th Century Persian decorative designs. *Afghani* Afghani rugs and carpets are often woven of handspun wool, although Kahl Mahmet rugs, commonly from Andkhuy or Daulatabad, are generally woven with high quality New Zealand wool and chrome based chemical dyes (non fading, non bleeding). Pricing for Afghani rugs varies greatly. Although there is a low standard of living in Afghanistan, travel to the war-torn area is difficult. These rugs were purchased in the bazaars of Peshawar and Lahore, Pakistan. *Azeri* Azeri rugs are made in northeastern Turkey by Azeri and Kurd tribespeople who delight in a profusion of bright, primary colors. The weave has a heavy, Bidjar-like density. Wool comes from fat-tailed Karaman sheep that are summer-pastured in the high mountains. Dense fibers result in a hard, heavy yarn that is especially resistant to wear. Plants and roots used for dyes are grown locally. Each village forms its own cooperative, joining with other villages to establish dye centers and weaving schools for young people. We offer an educational video (This Beautiful Country) which presents the weaving culture of northern Turkey. *Baghlani* Baghlani are a Pushto speaking tribe that migrated from Uzbekistan to Beluchistan within the past twenty years. Their rugs revolve around one basic design. Whether rugs or runners, in each case there is a central medallion filled with palmettes, and a surrounding field filled with similar palmettes. Wool is hand spun, hand carded Karaqul wool from the mountains of Afghanistan, and the colors are derived from local natural dyestuffs. Baghlani are often woven on a wool foundation. *Dobag* Dobag is a Turkish language acronym for Natural Dye research and Development Project. The project was the first modern production to distribute rugs made with natural dyes and handspun wool. Weavers are members of a weaving cooperative that buys and markets rugs made by weavers in northwestern Turkey. Designs are traditional and local to towns in the weaving areas of Kozak and Cennakale. *Gabbeh* Gabbehs have traditionally been woven by such nomads of southern Persia as the Q'ashgai and Luri, and weavers from the Khamseh confederation. Occasionally phony Gabbehs woven in Turkey or India will be offered as the genuine article. Genuine Gabbehs stand out distinctively from other groups of rugs. Their abstract illustrations and expressionist colors do not harmonize with conventional notions of an oriental rug. Natural dyes are childlike and vivid, the pile is exceptionally thick, and the weave is loose. Gabbehs are extremely heavy and very thick. *Hazara* The Hazara - a Shiite Muslim tribe living in central Afghanistan - send us low-pile rugs of finely woven lustrous wool and natural dyes, in distinctly geometric designs reminiscent of antique Caucasian rugs. They are made with Turkish, or symmetrical knotting, rather than with the Persian, or asymmetrical knotting found in Aryana rugs. The wool in these rugs is exceptionally lustrous and the natural dyes take to the handspun wool beautifully. These rugs glow. They still constitute a fairly limited production, and are certain to accrue value within the very near future. *Kazak* The largest group of the Caucasian rugs are Kazaks of various types. These are rugs made in south central Caucasus, stretching from Erivan in Armenia to Tiflis in Georgia. Kazaks were produced both as high-piled rugs from mountain areas and as low-piled rugs from the valleys, villages and settlements, many of which have their own easily recognizable characteristics and elements. Known for their bold designs and bright harmonious colors and good quality dyes, some of the most spectacular geometrically designed rugs found anywhere in the east originated here. *Nooristan* The Nooristan Family carpets feature weavers from Afghanistan’s mountain province of Nooristan. The line constitutes the most finely woven carpets produced anywhere in the world. With all hand carded, hand spun wool, the rugs are complex, delicate and intricate. The typical carpet contains at least 13 different vegetable dye colors. The finely handspun wool used and the extraordinary weave give these carpets a subtle and beautiful character. *Samsun* From the villages near Hereke, in Turkey, we obtain the very rare Samsun rugs, which are made with handspun wool and natural dyes. These rugs are exceptionally finely woven, with very high knot counts, and often with floral rather than geometric tribal designs. These rugs will probably not be made in the near future. They are too expensive to produce. Their fine floral designs are considered collectable in the European market. We bought the contents of one warehouse and only have eight left. *Shirvan* Shirvan is one of the principal weaving areas of the Caucasus stretching from the central east coast some 400 km inland and encompassing towns which produce particular design variations common to the Shirvan group. These include Bidjov, Marasali, Khila, Surahani, Baku and Saliani. The Shirvan rugs are noted as being some of the finest rugs from Caucasian. They are usually thin and densely knotted. The warp threads are usually light and undyed brown sheep's wool spun together. The wefts are light and thin, and selvages are usually white over double or triple threads. Cotton wefts are also seen, as are silk wefts *Tibet 60 knot, 100 knot, Gaun Nauksha* From Project for Cultural Survival we purchase rugs made by Tibetan refugees in Nepal. 60 knot refers to the gauge of the wool used in the weave. 60 knot is a coarser yarn than 100 knot. Out Tibetan rugs are woven of lanolin-rich Himalayan highland wool, sheared from Tibetan sheep raised on the grasslands of the central plateau. This is a luxurious and hard-wearing long-staple wool resulting in rugs soft enough to be used as sleeping mats. Designs and colors are traditional, often modern and surprisingly sophisticated, and derive from the old Buddhist culture of Tibet. Younger weavers present us with Gaon Nauksha, folk rugs that picture village life. All dyes used are indigenous to Nepal. We have a selection of Tibetan antique rugs as well as these wonderful new ones. *Tibetan Folk Life Design* These imaginative carpets reflect the inherent skills and playful color sense of the Tibetan weavers. Each carpet is unique and special. Construction: Hand Knotted from Hand Spun wool. Tibetan Folk Life Design Origin: Hand Woven in Nepal *Yatak* Yatak means "bed rug" in Turkish. The wool used in Yataks is the same as is used in the more expensive Azeri carpets. These rugs are woven by Kurdish people who make these rugs with a weave that is traditionally fairly loose, although the pile is very heavy and the rugs are quite thick. The high wool quality and dense pile makes these rugs appropriate sleeping mats, which is what they have been used for over the centuries. Designs range from traditional to playful contemporary designs. Colors are generally vivid and cheerful. *Zamin* From the very small villages in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh province in India come these wonderful thick carpets called Zamin. "Zamin" means earth, or land in both Persian and Hindi. The wool is hand combed and hand spun, then dyed with pure plant dyes collected from India and Nepal. These rugs are very heavy, all the weight is in the pile. A 10'x14' Zamin carpet weighs approximately 165 lb! Zamin carpet designs run a range from modern to classical Persian designs, but favor the more primitive designs such as Gabbeh. *Project for Cultural Survival* Those organization is dedicated to helping indigenous peoples retain their ethnic identity. In this case, the Project funds native tribal people whose culture has produced rugs for centuries. In both the Tibet and the Ersari projects, the proceeds are used to establish schools both for the weavers' children and for other tribespeople who want their children to learn to read and write. Since many of the students are girls, this will mark a distinct turn in their society's acceptance of women. In many cases, these children are the first in their family to develop these skills. We are proud to be associated with such a wonderful undertaking. Their product is wonderful as well.