Vintage Baluch Rug 140 × 95 cm (4’7” × 3’1”) — Hand-Knotted Wool, Indigo–Red, Mihrab & Minaret Pictorial

A characterful vintage Baluch prayer rug with a sculpted mihrab niche, slender column forms and a charming upper shrine/minaret panel. Woven in the Baluch tradition along the Afghanistan–Balochistan cultural corridor, it shows the classic midnight-indigo field with warm madder reds and soft camel-tan accents, finished by star-and-rosette borders. Authentic, hand-knotted, and ready to add depth and story to an entry, study, or meditation corner.


Weaving tradition & origin.
The composition (arched mihrab with flanking columns, pictorial rooftop shrine, small boteh/flower sprays, eight-point stars in the guard borders, and the deep navy field with brick red spandrels) is typical of Baluch workshop/tribal pieces from western Afghanistan / northern Balochistan. The slightly asymmetrical drawing, restrained palette, and wool-on-wool handle are all Baluch signatures.

Knot structure.
Back view shows tightly packed, slightly diagonal knot rows with one weft pass between rows—consistent with asymmetrical (Senneh) knotting, likely open to the left, common in Baluch weaving.

Materials & dyes.

Pile: lustrous hand-spun sheep’s wool (note the soft sheen and mild abrash in the indigo banding).

Foundation: wool warps & wefts (the back and fringes show undyed/light wool; side cords are overcast in dark wool).

Dyes: traditional natural/older-style palette—madder reds, indigo blue, camel-tan, moss green, ivory, and small black/brown outlining.

Age estimate.
Judging from the silky wear to a low–medium pile, localized end wear and softened colors without harsh chemical brightness, this piece dates to mid-20th century (c. 1950s–1970s).

Motifs & naqsha (design theory).

Mihrab field with stepped apex and two column forms at the sides → directional prayer layout.

Top pictorial shrine with twin towers/minarets and small lattice balconies—an architectural nod often seen in Baluch “mosque” rugs.

Inside the field: stylized Tree-of-Life sprigs, small rosettes, and protective eight-point stars sprinkled as talismanic elements.

Borders: inner star meander (protective), main border with diagonal leaf/abstract vine, outer constellation of stars—framing the sacred niche and reinforcing directionality.

Condition (honest assessment).
Clean and sound vintage condition with even low–medium pile. Minor end abrasion and small age-appropriate specks/abrash visible in photos; selvedges are intact and secure. No structural weakness noted.

Features:

Type: Hand-knotted Baluch prayer rug

Origin: Western Afghanistan / Balochistan region

Dimensions: 140 × 95 cm (approx. 4’7” × 3’1”) — measured without fringe

Pile: 100% hand-spun wool

Foundation: Wool warps & wefts

Knotting: Asymmetrical (Senneh); single-wefted construction

Estimated density: ~80–100 KPSI (≈ 12–15 knots per linear inch) based on back close-up

Pile height: approx. 6–8 mm (low–medium)

Age: Vintage, mid-20th c.

Condition: Very good vintage; minor end wear/softened pile, freshly vacuumed and ready to place

Field / palette: Indigo navy field, madder red spandrels, camel-tan, moss green, ivory, brown outlines

Authentic Baluch prayer composition with mihrab, columns, and shrine/minaret panel

Wool-on-wool handle with beautiful drape and tribal character

Comfortable low-medium pile—great for entry, reading nook, or by a bed

Naturally muted indigo & madder tones pair easily with modern or rustic décor

Vintage craftsmanship with talismanic stars and Tree-of-Life sprigs for symbolic warmth

Care Instructions

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

Vacuum gently (suction only; no beater bar).

Rotate every 3–6 months for even aging.

Blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth; avoid harsh chemicals.

Professional hand wash by a rug specialist every few years.

Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the natural dyes.

Room & Styling Tips

Perfect for a meditation/prayer space, reading corner, studio, foyer, or layered under a coffee table. The deep indigo and brick red pair beautifully with oak, walnut, leather, black metal, and cream textiles, and it adds soulful contrast to minimalist spaces.


An evocative Baluch prayer rug with real heritage—hand-knotted, symbolic, and wonderfully usable. If you’d like, I can share a short video, pad recommendations, or a custom styling mock-up for your room. Add it to cart to secure this one-of-a-kind textile.