Vendor:The Oriental Rug Merchant Ltd
Handmade Afghan Pazyryk carpet
Rug Size: 344 x 242cm
This interesting handmade Afghan Pazyryk carpet measuring 344x242cm is inspired by the design of the world's oldest surviving piled carpet.
The design and colours of this Pazyryk carpet is stunning. It features a red central field of small geometric floral motifs surrounded by a red border of walking deer or elks and a blue outer border showing mounted horsemen.
Read more about the Pazyryk carpet
This handmade Afghan Rug is based on the design of the world’s oldest surviving carpet: the Pazyryk which is kept in the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg.
The Pazyryk Carpet (approximately 200x183cm) was excavated from a Scythian burial mound in the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia, by an archaeologist named Sergei Rudenko in 1949.
It is thought that after grave-robbers had raided the tomb, water seeped in and it subsequently froze. This preserved the rug in permafrost until it was discovered by Rudenko more than 2000 years later.
Amazingly, the Pazyryk Carpet is thought to date from the 4th/5th Century B.C.
It is fascinating to think that such a high level of craftsmanship was achieved so long ago.
How was this Afghan Pazyryk Carpet made?
This Afghan Pazyryk Carpet was handmade in Afghanistan by traditional hand-knotting techniques, made in a fundamentally similar way from how the original was crafted 2500 years ago!
The hand-knotted carpet is made by weavers tying individual tufts of wool (knots) onto pairs of warp threads. Once the row of knots is completed the weavers then weave a number of weft threads in-between the warps which are beaten down, then we are ready for the next row of knots. Gradually the pattern the weavers are working to becomes apparent.
What is this hand-knotted Afghan carpet made from?
This Pazyryk rug has a woollen pile. Afghan wool is famous for not only its quality but also its durability which is perfect for making floor rugs.
Afghan Ghazni wool is a white shade and rich with lanolin which is perfect for making natural dyes. The wool fibres are hand-spun and this creates a tighter twist to the yarn thereby creating a stiffer, stronger material. The hand-spun yarn creates subtle variations of colour in the dyed wool which produces exquisite shades of colour in the completed carpet.
Cotton is used for the foundation fibres. The foundation threads are the warps which run the length of the carpet and the wefts which run across the width of the carpet. The warp threads are visible as fringes on the completed carpet. The warps are an integral part of an Oriental rug, thus the vast majority of handmade rugs will have fringes. Interestingly, the weft threads, which are beaten down between the rows of knots are mostly invisible.
Where can I use this beautiful Afghan carpet?
This hand-knotted Afghan Pazyryk carpet is suitable for use in numerous locations around your home. It is durable enough to use in sitting rooms, dining rooms, kitchen, or bedroom settings.
Key Facts:
- Country of origin: Afghanistan
- Dimensions: 344x242cm / 11’4”x7’11”
- Thickness: 8mm
- Pile: Wool
- Warp: Cotton
- Age: New
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
Free shipping in the UK
Need advice? We can advise on the best purchase for your requirements.
14 day return policy
-
Shipping Information
Free Shipping to customers in the UK for all Rugs and Carpets. Your purchase will be packed with immense care and also well protected in order to arrive at your home in perfect condition!
Rest assured that all parcels we send will have a tracking number and will be shipped by our choice of well established courier/parcel companies that we trust with our products and your future purchases.
-
Customer Support
We would be delighted to help you with any enquiries you have. Please contact us:
Tel: 01892 533 080
WhatsApp Number: 07704 663443
Frequently asked questions about Afghan rugs
Oriental rugs are renowned for their longevity and can often last for generations.
I’d like to buy it, is the rug shown the rug I’ll get?
Yes, all of our rugs are handmade and the vast majority are one-of-a-kind. This is the exact rug you will receive. No substitutions.
I’m interested in this rug, but would like to see it before I decide – can I come and see it at your shop?
Of course! All of the rugs displayed and shown as in stock on our website are available to view and buy in-store.
How quickly will I receive my rug and how much does delivery cost?
We aim to dispatch our Rugs as quickly as possible. Deliveries in the UK are generally achieved in 2-3 working days. Within the UK there is no carriage charge for rugs.
I’m not located in the UK, will you send it to destinations outside of the UK?
Please contact us, referencing which rug you would like to buy and your delivery address to find out shipping costs.
How long will my rug last?
Hand-knotted Rugs and Handwoven Rugs are extremely long-lasting items. If properly looked after Oriental Rugs can outlive their owner and maybe even last for generations. In many cases rugs improve with age.
Will the colours of my rug fade?
Handmade Oriental rugs will soften in colour over time. Of course, like any textile, if the rug is used in an area of strong sunlight, such as in a Conservatory for instance, the fading process will be more rapid. During days of strong sunshine, it is good practice to draw the curtains or blinds to keep your Oriental rug looking at its best.
Will the colours transfer onto the flooring underneath?
This is a tricky one to answer! If only we had a crystal ball! There is a risk. Our rugs are all handmade and made with artisan dyes. All of our rugs are thoroughly washed prior to export and any excess dye should come out in the washing process. However, on the odd occasion, the dye can still sometimes transfer. This phenomenon is increased by humidity and temperature, and is regrettably irreversible. If you are concerned about this possibility, perhaps consider using an Underlay to put a barrier between the rug and the flooring/fitted carpet underneath.
How do I care for my Afghan Rug
They are easy to care for, but here’s a few helpful pointers to keep your new Afghan rug looking great:
Vacuum
Hoover it regularly – perhaps once a week. This is good practice as tiny dirt particles can cause premature wear. Vacuum it with just the nozzle suction, as rotating brushes can be abrasive. Try to keep the vacuum cleaner away from the fringes as this is probably the weakest point on an Oriental rug; fringes and vacuum cleaners don’t mix!
Rotate
It is a good idea to rotate your Afghan rug on occasion. This will help prevent areas of concentrated wear. Foot shuffling when watching the TV is a prime culprit! Rotating your rug will also help to even-out any incremental changes in colour from exposure to sunlight.
Blot
Any spills should be blotted immediately: blot with kitchen towel or clean un-dyed absorbent cloth; avoid rubbing or scrubbing which can spread the spill or push the spill deeper into the rug.
Use a Rug Underlay
A good rug underlay will keep the rug in place, thereby preventing uneven wear and will help the rug keep from going out of shape.
Professional Cleaning
This is something that is required infrequently, perhaps every 3-5 years depending on use. Please contact us if you would like to have your rug cleaned as we offer a Rug Cleaning Service.