Vintage Afghan Baluch Small Runner — Terracotta Red & Bottle Green, Tribal Geometric, Wool-on-Wool, Hand-Knotted

A compact Baluch tribal runner with bold terracotta reds, inky navy, and bottle-green accents. Hand-knotted in the Afghanistan–Herat belt, this piece delivers crisp village geometry, protective hooked motifs, and the velvety handle that wool-on-wool Baluch rugs are loved for. Perfect beside a bed, in a narrow entry, or layered over a larger neutral rug.

This small Baluch runner pairs earthy terracotta with inky blues and bottle green, all outlined in ivory to sharpen the drawing. The field hosts a rhythmic chain of cruciform medallions with barbed finials and ashik diamonds, while small lattice panels add architectural interest. Multiple narrow guards in red and navy create the classic Baluch cadence around the field. The wool is springy and velvety, the handle pliant yet sturdy—exactly what collectors expect from wool-on-wool Baluch village work.

Features:

Type: Hand-knotted tribal runner (Baluch tradition)

Dimensions: 0.91 × 0.53 m (approx. 35.8″ × 20.9″ → list as 36″ × 21″)

Foundation: Wool warps & wefts (dark)

Pile: Hand-spun sheep’s wool, ~4–5 mm

Knots: Asymmetrical (Senneh); visual count ≈ 8–9 × 9 knots/in² → ~80–90 KPSI (±10)

Colors: Terracotta/madder red, indigo/navy, bottle green, ivory highlights, aubergine; pleasing abrash present

Edges/Ends: Original two-cord overcast selvedges; short kilim ends with natural dark fringes

Age: 1970s–1980s (vintage)

Construction time (est.): Area ≈ 0.48 m² (5.2 ft²) × ~85 KPSI ≈ ~60k knots → about 2–3 weeks of knotting for an experienced village weaver, plus washing/finishing

Condition (honest): Very good vintage. Even pile, lies flat. Minor age sheen; tiny, scattered color-fugitive specks and small fringe irregularities from age—no holes, tears, or structural repairs observed.

Authentic Baluch tribal geometry with protective hooked motifs

Wool-on-wool build for warmth, durability, and a soft hand

Narrow 36″ × 21″ footprint—ideal for bedside, kitchen, entry, or layered styling

Beautiful natural abrash and strong ivory contours for high graphic contrast

Original edges and ends—well-preserved vintage character

Care Instructions:

Use a rug pad to prevent slip and reduce wear

Vacuum with suction only (no beater bar); shake out gently when possible

Rotate a few times per year to even light exposure

Blot spills immediately; avoid scrubbing and household spot chemicals

For deep cleaning, choose professional hand-washing by a rug specialist; avoid steam cleaning

Keep out of prolonged direct sun to preserve color depth


If you’re looking for authentic tribal character in a space-saving size, this Baluch runner is a gem—handmade, durable, and full of story. Add it to your cart with confidence, or message me for extra photos, a video, or styling advice.