Vintage Ersari Gul Rug – Hand-Knotted Wool, Tribal Afghan Carpet (7'6" × 4'8")

A richly dyed, authentic tribal rug woven in northern Afghanistan by Ersari/Turkmen weavers. Its saturated madder red ground, navy blue accents, and orderly columns of guls (tribal emblems) create an elegant, quietly powerful statement piece—equally at home in bohemian, rustic, or modern spaces.


The layout shows three narrow vertical panels filled with repeating octagonal guls and secondary angular stars—an Ersari/Turkmen hallmark often marketed as “Bokhara/Khal Mohammadi.” Guard stripes with barber-pole twining and a diamond/ram’s-horn outer border reinforce a northern Afghan Turkmen attribution. From the back close-ups, the knots present as balanced, compact nodes with no offsetting—consistent with symmetrical (Ghiordes) knots typical in Ersari workshop and village pieces. Foundation appears wool on wool (dark warps with darker wefts) and a supple, resilient handle—again common for Afghan production.
Age.

Even, mature sheen, light corner/end wear, and softly mellowed reds indicate a mid-20th-century weave (circa 1960s–1980s).
Materials & pile.
Hand-spun sheep’s wool pile with robust lanolin; foundation likely wool warps/wefts. Dyes show the characteristic Afghan palette—madder reds, deep indigo/navy, small ivory & mustard highlights—consistent with traditional natural/synthetic-assist dyeing of the period. Pile height reads as ~5–7 mm (medium) with a dense hand. Estimated knot density ~90–110 KPSI (≈ 14×7–10 per inch), typical for better village Ersari.
Motifs & cultural reading.


Primary guls (octagonal emblems): tribal identity, strength & protection.


Eight-pointed stars & cross-flowers: guidance, good fortune.


Ram’s-horn / hooked motifs in borders: vitality & guardianship.
The naqsha (design theory) uses three longitudinal panels to create rhythm and calm; repeating small secondary guls in the field tighten the pattern so it reads rich but not busy.


Condition (honest).
Overall very good vintage condition: intact selvedges, short original fringes with minor end wear; light, age-appropriate pile wear with crisp pattern definition; no structural issues observed in the photos and pile sits even with a healthy sheen. Clean and ready to place.

Features

Origin: Northern Afghanistan, Ersari/Turkmen weavers


Type: Hand-knotted pile rug (tribal/“Bokhara” family)


Size: 228 × 142 cm (approx. 7'6" × 4'8")


Pile: Hand-spun wool, medium pile (~5–7 mm)


Foundation: Wool warps & wefts (typical Afghan handle)


Knot: Symmetrical (Ghiordes), ~90–110 KPSI (est.)


Palette: Deep madder red, navy/indigo, brick, small ivory & mustard highlights


Age: Mid-20th century (c. 1960s–80s)


Condition: Very good vintage; minor end wear and expected light surface wear; edges secure; lies flat


Authentic Ersari/Turkmen gul pattern in elegant three-panel layout


Saturated, room-warming reds with subtle navy depth


Durable wool-on-wool construction—soft underfoot, long-wearing


Versatile size for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, or layering


Professionally photographed; ready to use


Care instructions


Vacuum gently (suction only, no beater bar).


Rotate 2–3× per year for even wear and fade.


Blot spills immediately; use plain water first.


For deep cleaning, use a rug professional experienced with hand-knotted wool.


Rug pad recommended to prevent slippage and extend life.


Styling notes
This piece anchors modern, minimalist, rustic, boho, or eclectic rooms. Pair with linen or leather seating, dark wood, black metal accents, and neutral walls—the rich reds and navy deliver warmth and focus without overwhelming.



Ready to bring home?
This authentic Ersari gul rug has the saturated color, rhythmic geometry, and durable wool that collectors love and interiors rely on. Add it to cart with confidence—authentic, vintage, and ready to warm your space.