Khal Mohammadi Vintage Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool Afghan Runner (8'2" x 4'8")

A richly saturated runner in the classic northern Afghan/Turkmen tradition, this piece features the beloved “Khal Mohammadi” palette—glowing madder reds anchored by inky midnight blues.

The field is laid out in orderly panel-guls framed by multiple tribal guard borders with ashik and talismanic motifs, creating the elegant, repeating geometry collectors prize. Woven by Turkmen artisans of northern Afghanistan, the rug shows the hallmark qualities of the region: supple hand-spun wool, a dense handle, and crisp, low pile that reads beautifully in modern and traditional interiors alike.

Construction details captured in the close-ups confirm a hand-knotted build with a double-wefted, depressed foundation typical of Afghan workshop weaving. The knots present as symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes), yielding a sturdy, even surface (approx. 110–140 KPSI) with a velvety feel. Age and wear are consistent with a late-20th-century weave (c. 1990s): pile is low to medium with gentle, even patina, intact selvedges, and secure ends. No distracting repairs—only the kind of honest, light abrash and mellowing that give vintage Turkmen pieces their depth.

Features

Size: 250 x 143 cm | approx. 8'2" x 4'8"

Origin: Northern Afghanistan, Turkmen (Ersari/Beshir influence), “Khal Mohammadi” school

Weave: Hand-knotted, double-wefted with depressed warps; symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes) knotting

Density: ~110–140 knots per square inch (170–220k knots/m²)

Pile/Handle: Low–medium pile ~6–8 mm; dense, supple handle

Materials: Hand-spun wool pile; wool foundation with overcast wool edges

Dyes & Colors: Madder-based reds with midnight/navy, charcoal, and small ivory highlights; subtle abrash

Design: Panel-gul columns, ashik/ram’s-horn and protective talisman borders

Age: Vintage, circa 1990s

Condition: Very good vintage condition—even pile, secure sides and fringes, light age patina, no notable stains or odors

Uses: Hallway runner, living room anchor, bedroom, layering piece, office/library

Care instructions

Vacuum gently on low suction with the beater bar off, following the pile direction. Use a quality rug pad to prevent movement and reduce wear. Rotate every 6–12 months for even aging. Blot spills immediately with a clean, undyed cloth; spot-clean with a small amount of wool-safe soap and cold water only. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight. For a full refresh, have the rug professionally hand-washed by a specialist—never dry clean or steam clean.

This one-of-a-kind runner brings depth and character to any space—earthy, luxurious color with timeless Turkmen geometry. If you love saturated reds and authentic craftsmanship, this is a statement piece ready to ship and ready to be loved for decades.