Afghan Shawl Handwoven Rug, One-Piece, with Vertical Stripe Panels and Boteh Motifs, Red
The Multistriped Rhythm of an Afghan Shawl
A one-of-a-kind rug woven in the workshops of northern Afghanistan with an asymmetrical Persian knot, reinterpreting the shawl tradition through vertical striped panels and a composition of boteh motifs. Colored with natural dyes derived from botanical roots and husks such as walnut husk, pomegranate peel, and indigo; it has developed a soft patina that absorbs the light after undergoing a natural washing process.
Technical Specifications
- Origin: Afghanistan (Mazar-i-Sharif region)
- Design heritage: Shawl-style vertical striped panels and boteh-motif composition
- Material: 100% hand-spun Ghazni wool (weft, warp, and pile)
- Dyeing technique: Botanical root & husk dyes (indigo, madder, walnut, pomegranate)
- Knot type: Asymmetrical Persian (Sine) knot
- Knot density: ~120,000 / m² (dense weave)
- Pile height: ~6 mm
- Weight: ~3,200 g / m²
- Dimensions: 123 x 186 cm (2.29 m²) – one-of-a-kind, numbered original piece
- Washing: Natural (washed) – soft, antique-effect tone
The Story of This Rug
Shawl rugs originate from the weaving traditions of Turkmen and Uzbek nomadic communities in northern Afghanistan; they take their name from Kashmir shawls. Each vertical stripe is a separate microcosm of patterns — boteh, diamonds, small floral chains — and when arranged side by side, they become a rhythmic woven score. Each stripe is dyed with a different natural dye, which is why no two shawl rugs are ever identical.
Why Choose a One-of-a-Kind Handwoven Afghan Rug
- Authenticity: Only one exists; the same knot rhythm and dye batch can never be repeated.
- Durability of botanical dyes: Unlike synthetic aniline, root dyes do not fade – they only soften over time.
- Ghazni wool: Long-fiber, lanolin-rich wool from high-altitude sheep, providing natural stain resistance and a silky sheen.
- Asymmetrical Persian knot: Finer detail resolution and sharper motif edges than the Turkish (Gördes) knot.
- Investment value: Genuine handwoven rugs made with botanical dyes appreciate in value through generations of use.
Color and Pattern
Dozens of vertical stripes sewn side by side within a deep madder-red frame, in shades of amber, terracotta, indigo blue, faded green, and ivory. Each stripe is filled with a different motif: rows of boteh (buta), small diamonds, chains of leaves, and miniature floral rosettes. The red inner and outer borders bring this polyphonic composition together in a single breath.
Care Recommendations
- Clean with a low-speed vacuum using a brushless vacuum head.
- Blot spills 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 cleaner specializing in botanical dyes.
Afghan shawl rugs are not "manufactured" but "woven." This piece is no exception; it will be sold only once, and no identical one will be found in any other home.
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.
