Tribal Rose Floral Rug, Hand-Knotted Afghan Wool Rug, Midnight Blue and red colored

One-of-a-kind village weaving from northern Afghanistan featuring the beloved “rose” (gul) motif in bold, saturated reds on a deep midnight field. Finely hand-knotted in durable highland wool with comforting, medium pile—freshly cleaned and ready to place.

Visual Analysis & Authentication

Weaving tradition: Northern Afghan village work (Kunduz/Andkhoy–Kargai line). The characteristic stacked red “roses,” terracotta/orange stems, dark navy/black ground, and multicolor tribal borders point squarely to this tradition.

Knot structure: From the tight, square back and the way the pile folds, this piece is symmetrically knotted (Turkish/Ghiordes)—typical of Afghan village rugs.

Regional origin indicators:

Color palette of deep cochineal-like red, midnight navy, bottle green, sky blue, and ochre.

Angular floral drawing (stepped petals) rather than curvilinear, plus hooked S-forms and ram’s-horn elements in the borders—hallmarks of north Afghan workshops.

Age: Late 20th–early 21st c. (c. 1995–2010). Colors are strong with only light, natural abrash; pile is full with crisp side cords—minimal use.

Signatures/marks: No written signature—typical for village production. Distinctive regional tell: the zig-zag “water” infill between blossoms and the multiband border set with latch-hook devices.

Pile & density: Medium pile (≈ 8–10 mm), tightly packed. Estimated knot density ~90–110 KPSI (≈1400–1700 knots/m²).

Materials:

Pile: Hand-spun local wool (lustrous, springy).

Foundation: Cotton warps (visible white fringe); wool wefts beaten tight—typical Afghan handle.

Dyes: Good quality village palette using a mix of traditional and contemporary dyeing; stable and even.

Pattern & Cultural Context

Motifs:

Gul-e rose blossoms (six large, stacked) = joy, beauty, and renewal.

Ram’s-horn / hooked S in the borders = strength, protection, and fertility.

Small 8-point rosettes = good fortune; zig-zag “water” = life and continuity.

Design theory (naqsha): Central vertical chain of paired blossoms connected by angular stems, framed by a star/rosette minor guard and a bold main border of interlocking hooked elements—tribal geometry framing a floral heart.

Border–field relationship: The dynamic, protective hooked border contains the exuberant floral field, balancing movement and symmetry—classic Afghan village aesthetics.

Tribal/regional signatures: Stepped rose petals, thick orange stems, bottle-green leaf panels, and the midnight field are all strong Kargai/Andkhoy cues.

Protective symbols: Hooked devices and ram’s-horns act as traditional apotropaic (warding) elements around the field.

Features:

Type: Hand-knotted pile rug

Origin: Northern Afghanistan (Kunduz/Andkhoy region)

Size: 117 x 90 cm (approx. 3’10” x 2’11”)

Knotting: Symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes)

Knot density: ~90–110 KPSI (est.)

Pile height: ~8–10 mm, medium, soft and resilient

Materials: 100% wool pile; cotton warps; wool wefts

Condition: Excellent vintage—full pile, straight edges, secure fringes; light natural abrash; no repairs noted. Clean and odor-free.

Time to weave: Approximately 2–4 weeks of bench time for an experienced village weaver.

Statement rose motif on a dramatic midnight field—striking, graphic, and warm.

Durable Afghan wool with cozy medium pile; comfortable underfoot.

Versatile small-area size—perfect for entry, bedside, kitchen runner alternative, office, or layering.

Authentic, hand-knotted craft—one of a kind.

Care & Use

Vacuum lightly with suction only (no beater bar).

Rotate seasonally for even wear and fade.

Spot clean with a mild wool-safe detergent; blot—do not rub.

Professional hand wash as needed.

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slip and extend life.


Make it yours

A genuine, soulful village weaving that adds warmth and story to any room. If you’d like a video, additional photos, or to see it virtually in your space, just ask. I ship quickly and pack with care—your new favorite rug is ready to roll out.