Vintage Red Wool Runner Rug: Hand-Knotted Afghan Hallway Carpet

Step into timeless craftsmanship with this vintage hand-knotted runner rug, a dazzling collectible woven with enduring skill and cultural depth. This small hallway or entryway rug bursts with rich red, navy, and camel tones, centered around an ornate geometric medallion — a nod to mid-century Afghan tribal weaving traditions. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller interiors, meditation corners, or layered décor styles.

Woven in the mid to late 20th century, this rug is not antique but carries decades of heritage craftsmanship. Its tight, symmetrical weave and vivid color palette showcase the evolution of rural artistry into functional, statement-making home décor.

📜 Cultural & Artistic Significance
This piece belongs to a family of Afghan village rugs, where the interplay of medallion patterns, floral corner spandrels, and detailed border bands reflect both protective and ornamental symbolism. The deep crimson red field, contrasted with sapphire, ivory, and caramel tones, evokes themes of fertility, strength, and renewal — common across tribal rug traditions.

Its rectangular field with sharp floral flourishes on the border reveals artistic restraint and a desire to balance utility with design in transitional living spaces.

📐 Specifications:
Dimensions: 1.16 x 0.58 meters (approx. 3.10 x 1.11 ft)

Construction: 100% hand-knotted

Knot Type: Symmetrical (likely Turkish/Ghiordes)

Material: High-quality wool pile on a cotton foundation

Weave Density: Approx. 100–120 KPSI (knots per square inch)

Pile Height: Medium-low (approx. 5–7mm)

Age Estimate: Vintage, circa 1960s–1980s

Origin: Afghanistan

Condition: Very good vintage condition. No major repairs, minimal wear. Clean edges and strong fringe.

✨ Unique Features:
Vivid blood red field with a central medallion

Full-pile wool with soft tactile feel

Geometric-floral blend borders with cerulean corner spandrels

Perfectly sized for hallways, small entryways, bedside, or altar spaces

Durable mid-century handmade tribal rug — built to last

🧼 Care Instructions:
Vacuum gently without beater brush

Avoid moisture-prone areas (e.g., bathrooms)

Professional hand-washing only

Rotate occasionally to balance natural fading

Use a rug pad underneath to prevent slipping

🏡 Ideal Room Styling:
This vibrant piece complements:

Bohemian and eclectic interiors

Mid-century modern spaces

Rustic wood flooring or neutral-tone tiles

Ideal for studio apartments, narrow entryways, or hallside altars

Each thread in this vintage Afghan runner speaks of heritage, handwork, and pride. Whether you're a collector, decorator, or lover of meaningful textile stories — this one belongs in a home that values beauty and tradition.