Vintage Turkmen Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool Bokhara Rug, Madder Red, 4x2 ft

A glowing field of deep madder red sets off rows of classic Turkmen gul medallions—an enduring motif of Central Asian nomads. Hand-knotted in northern Afghanistan in the Tekke/Ersari tradition, this compact rug brings timeless geometry, beautiful natural tones, and a velvety wool handle to an entry, office, or bedside.

Detailed expert notes (visual analysis & authentication)

Weaving tradition & origin.
The repeat of octagonal guls with cruciform minor guls, the saturated red ground, and the lattice of diamond “ashik” borders are hallmarks of the Turkmen Tekke/Ersari tradition woven today around Mazar-e-Sharif and Andkhoy in northern Afghanistan. The crisp drawing and balanced guard borders align with high-quality Afghan workshop work rather than Pakistani copies.

Knot structure.
Back photos show compact rows with slightly offset knot collars; the handle and look are consistent with asymmetrical (Senneh) knots on a cotton foundation, double-wefted—typical for Afghan Bokhara/Turkmen pieces.

Age.
Color saturation is strong, with full, even pile and intact kilim ends—no sun-fade or abrash from long wear. I place it late 1990s–2010s (conservatively “vintage, ~20–25 years”).

Materials.

Pile: soft, lustrous highland wool (fine twist, natural sheen).

Foundation: cotton warps & wefts (ivory fringe and light wefts visible).

Dyes: rich madder red with indigo/navy, ivory, and small rust accents—stable color set typical of good Afghan dyestuffs.

Pile height & density.
Medium-low, approx. 5–6 mm; firm, velvety hand. Estimated density ~100–120 KPSI (about 10x10–11x11), appropriate for this tradition.

Motifs & cultural context.

Main guls (octagons) symbolize tribal identity and protection.

Minor chemche/rosette guls between rows add rhythm.

Ram’s horn hooks and the ashik diamond main border are protective/geometric devices passed down through Turkmen design grammar.
The layout (rows of guls in a precise grid framed by multiple guards) is a classic naqsha for Tekke/Ersari weavings, prized for its symmetry and harmony.

Condition (honest report).
Excellent vintage condition: full pile, straight edges, sturdy selvedges, and original kilim end finishes with minimal fringe wear only (see close-ups). No stains, holes, or repairs observed.

Features:

Type: Hand-knotted pile rug

Origin: Northern Afghanistan (Tekke/Ersari Turkmen tradition)

Size: 139 x 89 cm (approx. 4’7” x 2’11”)

Pile: 100% wool

Foundation: Cotton warps & wefts

Knotting: Asymmetrical (Senneh), double-wefted

Knot density: ~100–120 KPSI (estimate from back photos)

Pile height: ~5–6 mm

Age: c. late 1990s–2010s (vintage)

Condition: Excellent; clean and ready to use

Glowing madder-red field with classic Turkmen guls

Compact size perfect for entry, office, bedside, or layered decor

Durable, tightly knotted wool—made to last generations

Authentic tribal design with strong cultural heritage

Professionally inspected; edges and ends intact

Care Instructions

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slip and reduce wear.

Vacuum with suction only (no beater bar) following the nap, 2–4x per month.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even aging.

Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth; for deeper cleaning, use a professional hand-wash service familiar with wool rugs.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to preserve natural color depth.


Bring home a piece of Central Asian nomadic artistry—hand-knotted, authentic, and ready to anchor your space.
Questions about styling or need a video? I’m happy to help!