Vintage Baluch Rug, Mihrab Panel Design – 150 x 80 cm (4'11" x 2'7") | Tribal Wool, Natural Reds & Ivory

Hand-knotted by Baluch weavers of western Afghanistan/Khorasan, this vintage prayer rug features a stepped mihrab niche filled with a vertical lattice of small square “windmill” guls. The rhythmic geometry, saturated madder reds, dark brown/near-black outlines, and warm ivory field create a bold, architectural look that reads beautifully in modern and traditional rooms alike. Side selvedge tassels and a multicolor end-kilim finish add unmistakable tribal character.


Weaving tradition & origin.
The stepped-niche format, boxed lattice panels, compact borders, dark brown outlines, and little colored tufts along the selvedges are hallmark traits of Baluch/Timuri tribal work from western Afghanistan into the Khorasan belt. The narrow multiple guard borders with tiny triangle/chevron repeats and the camel-ivory inner ground around the panel stack further support this attribution.

Knotting & structure.
Close-ups of the back show slightly diagonal knot collars and a supple, all-wool handle consistent with asymmetrical (Senneh-type) knots open left, typical for many Baluch pieces. Warps and wefts appear to be wool; wefts are dark, giving that “shadowy” look between rows. Pile is soft, springy, and medium-low (~5–7 mm).

Age & condition.
Palette, wear, and construction point to mid-20th century, circa 1965–1985. The pile is even with light age softness; ends retain original flat-woven kilim bands with a multicolor zig-zag. Selvedges show traditional colored wool toggles/tufts (protective/ornamental). No obvious repairs—overall very good vintage condition with minor age-appropriate wear.

Materials & dyes.
Hand-spun village wool pile on wool foundation. Dyestuffs present as classic madder red, undyed ivory, dark brown/near-black, and small accents of orange and brick—the controlled, slightly mellowed tones you expect in older tribal work.

Motifs & cultural notes.

Mihrab (prayer niche): the notched, stepped silhouette signifies direction and sanctuary.

Lattice of square “windmill”/pinwheel guls: protective, kinetic emblems often read as gardens or orderly plots—chahar-bagh logic (paradise garden) expressed in miniature.

Guard borders with serrated triangles & barber-pole lines: movement/protection around the “sacred” field.

Side tufts: customary Baluch amulets and visual texture.


Features

Type: Hand-knotted Baluch/Timuri tribal prayer rug

Origin: Western Afghanistan / Khorasan weaving belt

Age: c. 1965–1985 (vintage)

Size: 150 cm x 80 cm (approximately 4'11" x 2'7")

Pile: 100% hand-spun wool

Foundation: Wool warps & wefts (dark wefts)

Knot type: Asymmetrical (open-left)

Knot density (est.): ~60–80 KPSI (≈ 930–1,240 knots/m²)

Pile height (est.): 5–7 mm, medium-low

Condition: Very good vintage; even pile; original flat-weave ends; intact selvedges with tribal tufts; minor age toning only.

Authentic Baluch mihrab with rare stacked square-gul panel layout

Saturated madder reds contrasted by warm ivory and dark outlines—high graphic impact

Original kilim ends and side tufts—collectible details

Soft, durable wool-on-wool construction for a warm, pliable handle

Ideal hallway, entry, study, or meditation/prayer corner piece; also striking layered over jute or stone floors

Care instructions

Use a rug pad to reduce wear and slipping.

Vacuum weekly on low suction/no beater bar, following pile direction.

Rotate every 3–6 months for even fading and wear.

Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth; avoid rubbing.

For deep cleaning, use professional hand-wash services specializing in handmade rugs.

Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight to preserve natural dyes.

Styling tips

This graphic tribal piece anchors bohemian, rustic, mid-century, Japandi, and modern minimalist spaces. Its architectural niche and repeating squares pair beautifully with plaster walls, oak furniture, leather accents, and black metal details. Perfect as a statement runner beside a bed, in a reading nook, or in front of a console.


Bring home a piece of nomadic artistry. This vintage Baluch prayer rug blends spiritual geometry with everyday durability—handmade to last, and unique enough to transform any corner of your home. Ready to ship, carefully packed, and satisfaction guaranteed.