Pictorial Vintage Rug: Hand-Knotted Wool Rug, Minaret & Portraits

Welcome!
I’m a rug specialist who sources only authentic, hand-knotted pieces. This striking pictorial rug was woven by Baluch weavers in western Afghanistan in the late 1990s–early 2000s. It blends age-old tribal technique with contemporary storytelling: a tall minaret dominates the field, flanked by portrait busts and lines of calligraphy, with village, trees and hills below. Vivid reds, midnight blue and camel tones sit on a dense, glossy wool pile—ideal as a collectible art rug or dramatic wall hanging.


Weaving tradition & construction.
The overcast two-cord selvage (barber-pole wrapping), striped kilim ends, and the medium, compact knotting on a wool foundation identify this as Baluch tribal work from the Herat/Ghor region. The back shows offset rows with wool warps and dark wefts; the knotting reads as asymmetrical (Senneh type) open to the left, a hallmark of many Afghan Baluch pieces. Pile is clipped low and even (~4–5 mm), giving the drawing crisp edges.

Design (naqsha) & cultural context.
The layout is a vertical narrative:

A central minaret (most likely referencing the famous minarets of Herat/Ghor) rises from a stepped plinth decorated with geometric belts and an “X” talisman band.

Three portrait busts in stylized tribal dress appear in cartouches; above and around them are inscriptions in Romanized text and local script (including Afghanistan and celebratory phrases like zindabad). These export-era inscriptions are typical of Afghan pictorial/“war” rugs that documented current events and pride of place from the 1980s onward.

The surrounding landscape shows hills, houses, trees, and scattered sprig/boteh and seed motifs—symbols of growth and protection.

Narrow striped guards frame the scene; lower borders end in a striped flatweave typical of Baluch finishing.

Age.
Dyes are bright and fast, with very light abrash but no sun-bleach; the wool is still springy. Condition and palette place it circa 1995–2005 (vintage).

Materials.
All hand-spun local sheep’s wool pile on wool warp and wool weft. Dyes are a mix of traditional and later synthetics common in the period, giving clear reds, navy, camel and green.

Distinctive marks.
Cartouches with script serve as inscriptions rather than an individual signature.

Technical Specifications

Origin: Western Afghanistan, Baluch tribal weaving (Herat/Ghor district)

Type: Hand-knotted pictorial/narrative rug (often categorized as Afghan “war rug”)

Knot structure: Asymmetrical (Senneh) knots, depressed rows; two-cord overcast selvages

Size (exact): 136 × 87 cm (approx. 4’6” × 2’10”)

Pile height: ~4–5 mm (low, compact)

Knot density (estimate from back): ~70–90 KPSI (≈ 1,100–1,400 knots/dm²; 110–140k knots/m²)

Foundation: Wool warps & dark wool wefts

Pile: Hand-spun sheep’s wool

Age: c. 1995–2005 (25–30 years)

Condition: Very good vintage—even pile, ends and sides secure, minor age patina and slight waviness typical of tribal handwork; no obvious repairs.

Colors: Brick red, deep navy, camel/tan, ivory, forest green, small accents of orange and purple

Use: Floor accent or wall hanging (lightweight, flexible handle)

Features You’ll Love

Authentic Baluch tribal craftsmanship with a rare pictorial minaret & portraits composition

Glossy, resilient hand-spun wool for rich color saturation and durability

Storytelling rug—a conversation piece that documents late-20th-century Afghan culture

Ideal wall art size; hangs beautifully with a simple rod or clip system

Naturally low-maintenance: low, dense pile hides wear and vacuums easily

Ethically sourced vintage textile—one-of-a-kind

Care Instructions (easy & specific)

Use a pad; vacuum weekly on low suction, no beater bar.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even wear and light exposure.

Blot spills immediately with a dry towel; then dab with cool water only—no rubbing.

Avoid prolonged direct sun; if hanging, keep out of intense UV or use UV film on windows.

Professional hand-wash every 3–5 years (no steam or dry-cleaning).

For wall display, support the width evenly (sleeve or Velcro strip on a slat is best).

If you’re looking for a genuine hand-knotted piece with soul—and a story—this rug is a standout. Add it to your cart with confidence, and feel free to message me for additional photos or a video. I ship quickly and pack with care.