Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug – Turkmen Tribal Gul Design, 5.8 x 3.4 ft

This authentic handmade runner is a classic Turkmen tribal-style piece, woven with a deep red field and a disciplined, repeating gul lattice—the hallmark “tribal medallion” system associated with nomadic and village weaving across northern Central/South Asia. The crisp geometry, saturated reds, and strong contrast details (ivory, indigo, and dark green/teal) give it that bold, collector-loved look that works beautifully in American interiors—from modern rustic to eclectic, boho, and traditional.

The pattern language here is highly symbolic: the repeating guls form a protective “order” across the field (a visual shield), while the hooked elements and angular “ram’s horn” styling are commonly read as strength, continuity, and guarding motifs in tribal textiles. The border architecture is equally intentional—an assertive meander / running-scroll style frame that locks the design in place, plus finely patterned guard borders that add rhythm without stealing attention from the main field.

Construction-wise, this is a hand-knotted pile rug with flatwoven kilim ends, visible at the top and bottom with decorative end panels and a finished fringe. The wool appears smooth, well-spun, and tightly packed, giving a low-to-medium pile that feels firm underfoot and performs well in hallways. The knot structure is not shown close enough to certify with 100% certainty, but the build and design execution are most consistent with a symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes-style) knot tradition commonly used in this tribal family of weavings.

Features

Size: 178 x 103 cm (approx. 5.8 x 3.4 ft)
Type: Runner / small area rug
Construction: Hand-knotted pile with flatwoven (kilim) ends
Knot structure: Most consistent with symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes-style) based on overall build (knot not fully visible in photos)
Materials: Wool pile; foundation appears wool-based (visible natural fringe/ends)
Pile height: Low-to-medium (tight, even surface)
Knot density (estimated): Medium-fine (approx. 90–130 knots per sq. inch)
Color palette: Deep red with ivory, indigo, dark green/teal, and orange accents
Motifs: Gul lattice, hooked/ram’s-horn geometry, protective border meanders, decorative end panels
Condition: Very good overall — clean, strong color, edges look secure; mild waviness at the end is visible in staged photos (typical for handmade runners and usually relaxes with use or a rug pad)
Time investment (estimate): roughly 4–8 weeks of weaving time depending on loom speed and household production pace

Care Instructions

Use a rug pad (especially on hardwood) to keep it steady and help it lie flatter. Vacuum gently without a beater bar to protect the wool pile. Rotate every few months for even wear. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to preserve dyes. Spot clean with cold water and a wool-safe solution; for deep cleaning, use a professional rug cleaner experienced with handmade wool rugs.

If you want a runner that feels authentic, graphic, and architectural—this one delivers. It’s the kind of tribal textile that instantly upgrades a hallway, entry, or narrow space with real craftsmanship (not a printed look), and it layers beautifully with modern furniture, leather, linen, and warm wood tones.