Afghan Kashkuli Gabbeh Handwoven Rug Single Piece with Figurative Nomadic Motif Navy Blue
Afghan Kashkuli Gabbeh Rug · The Story of Nomadic Life Woven into Stripes
A one-of-a-kind rug woven in workshops in northern Afghanistan with an asymmetrical Persian knot, reinterpreting the figurative Gabbeh tradition of the Persian Kashkuli nomads. Goat, bird, human, tent, and tree-of-life figures are arranged in horizontal stripes on a navy background, with a band of small symbols along the outer border. Dyed with walnut husk, madder red, and indigo.
Technical Specifications
- Origin: Afghanistan (Mazar-i-Sharif region)
- Design heritage: Kashkuli Gabbeh · figurative nomadic tribal composition
- Material: 100% hand-spun Ghazni wool (weft, warp, and pile)
- Dyeing technique: Plant-based root & bark dyes (indigo, madder red, walnut, pomegranate)
- Knot type: Asymmetrical Persian (Sine) knot
- Knot density: ~120,000 / m² (densely woven)
- Pile height: ~6 mm
- Weight: ~3,200 g / m²
- Dimensions: 177 x 242 cm (4.28 m²), one-of-a-kind numbered original
- Washing: Natural (washed) · soft, antique-effect tone
The Story of This Rug
Gabbeh rugs trace their origins to the tent weavings of the Kashkuli and Luri nomads of Iran's Fars region; each figure records a scene from the weaver's daily life: a goat from the herd, a bird, a tree of life, a village symbol. In this piece, figurative squares arranged in stripes fit the nomadic calendar into a single rug. Afghan artisans have combined this heritage with Ghazni wool and knowledge of plant-based dyes; after weaving, the rug was washed in sunlight and running water to achieve its serene, storybook-like patina.
Why Choose a One-of-a-Kind Handwoven Afghan Rug
- Uniqueness: Only one of this rug exists; the same knot rhythm and dye batch can never be repeated.
- Plant-based dye durability: Unlike synthetic aniline dyes, root dyes do not fade; they simply soften over time.
- Ghazni wool: Long-fiber wool from high-altitude sheep, rich in lanolin; it provides natural stain resistance and a silky sheen.
- Asymmetrical Persian knot: Finer detail resolution and sharper motif edges than the Turkish (Gördes) knot.
- Investment value: Authentic Afghan rugs dyed with plant-based dyes gain value through generations of use.
Color and Pattern
A multi-striped panel within a deep navy frame: miniature animal and human figures in the upper and lower bands, horizontal nomadic stripes set against an orange-brick ground in the central band (rows of goats, a tree of life, tent symbols), and vertical figurative stripes at the sides. Ivory, crimson, mustard yellow, and petrol green contrasts; miniature repetitions of the same symbols along the outer border.
Care Recommendations
- Clean with a vacuum on a low setting using a brushless vacuum head.
- For spills, blot immediately with a white cotton cloth; do not rub.
- Rotate 180° every 6 months so sunlight and foot traffic are distributed evenly.
- Leave wet cleaning to a rug specialist experienced with plant-based dyes.
A Kashkuli Gabbeh is not a rug to simply stand on, but a story to read; this piece is no different.
Protect Your Rug’s Elegance
A careful care routine should be adopted to preserve the original splendor and silky texture of Carpetdocia’s handwoven, natural-fiber creations—pieces that add value to your living space—for generations to come.
Immediate Action and Liquid Spills
When a liquid is spilled, timing is the most critical factor. Using a clean, slightly damp cloth, remove the liquid from the surface by gently blotting only—never rub. Always work in the direction of the rug’s pile (the natural direction in which the fibers lie). Rubbing can damage the structure of delicate fibers such as TENCEL™ and viscose. If in doubt, stop immediately.
Routine Care and Light Balance
For your weekly cleaning routine, always use vacuum cleaners with low suction power. High-powered upright vacuums and stiff brushes can damage the natural structure of handwoven yarns. To balance the natural fibers’ reaction to light and prevent uneven color changes (fading), we recommend changing the direction of your rug every 2 to 6 months.
Expert Care (Professional Cleaning)
Delicate materials such as handwoven fibers, TENCEL™, viscose, and New Zealand wool should not come into contact with household chemical cleaners. These products can irreversibly damage the rug’s silky sheen and structural integrity. For deep cleaning, seek assistance only from professional rug-care centers specializing in natural fibers.
Washing Instructions
The delicate pieces in the Carpetdocia collections are not suitable for machine washing due to their construction. (Only specific models clearly marked “Washable” in their names may be washed in household machines using a low-temperature, delicate cycle.)
Our Uncompromising Quality and Ethical Vision The Carpetdocia vision requires us to uphold the highest standards not only in aesthetic excellence and design, but also in ethical values, human health, and respect for nature. Every handwoven piece in our collections proves its quality and unwavering commitment to sustainability through the world’s most prestigious international certifications:
TENCEL™ Breathable botanical fibers derived from nature and produced using an environmentally responsible closed-loop system. Their silky touch adds organic elegance and unparalleled softness to your living spaces.
Wools of New Zealand™ A mark of excellence guaranteeing the traceability of the world’s finest wool fibers, sourced from New Zealand’s pristine natural environment. It confirms that only the highest-quality wool, produced through processes that uphold the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental responsibility, is used.
OEKO-TEX® Assurance One of the textile industry’s strictest and most independent standards, confirming that our textiles contain no chemicals or harmful substances hazardous to human health, ensuring absolute safety in your living spaces.
Sedex® Ethical Trade Global recognition of our deep respect for people and craftsmanship at every stage of our supply chain. It documents our unwavering commitment to responsible production and transparent trade principles.
These international certifications are the strongest guarantee that every rug bearing the Carpetdocia signature is not merely a timeless decorative piece, but also a reflection of our respect for your home, your health, and our shared future.
