Fine Turquoise Handmade Mamluk carpet

This fine quality Afghan Mamluk Carpet 258 x 176cm is handknotted with pure wool pile. The intricacy of the field is harmonious and balanced with measured geometry. It is impressive with a saturation of attractive colours of the main turquoise field, combined with a blue border and hints of green and warm gold-rusts for contrast. Marvel at the filigree detailing of stylized leaves in the blue border and the piece will certainly make an alluring talking point! 

What are the design origins of this Afghan Mamluk Carpet?

This triumph of pattern and geometric design hails from historical carpets from the Middle Ages. Mamluk carpets from this era were woven in Cairo under the powerful and artistically inclined Sultans of the Mamluk dynasty (1250 -1517) are extremely rare and revered. The geometric designs and formats are timeless and hence inspire modern pieces today!  During the time of the Mamluk Dynasty the arts flourished. The distinctive intricate patterns were found in ceramics, metalwork, glassware, buildings, woodcarvings and, of course carpets. 

What to explore in this Afghan Mamluk Carpet.

The mosaic-like detailed field of this piece holds endless interest. Brimming with geometric devices and motifs as well as roundels the patterns culminate in the characteristic  polygonal central medallion. Notice that the Mamluk medallion's border echoes the stylized flower and lattice border. Complimentary colours of turquoise and rust and yellow golds really show the designer and weavers' skill. 

How is this Afghan Mamluk Carpet created? 

As a modern piece this carpet is decorative, impressive and monumental but also handknotted from techniques that have not changed for millenia. Hand knotted on a loom, the exquisitely dyed handspun yarn is knotted onto the cotton warp foundation. After each row of knots is completed the weaver threads through two weft threads horizontally and then continues with the next row of knots. Highly skilled artisans are adept at every process of the carpet making: handspinning the wool, artisanal dyeing, the weaving process itself, as well as the finishing and washing with further processes after the carpet is taken down from the loom. 

Interesting Fact 

The intricacy and attention to detail is not only found in the handknotting of the pure wool pie but also notive in the carpet that the warp threads which constitute the fringes are bound in an attractive lattice fashion;  another wonderful decorative feature.

Key Details

• Country of Origin: Afghanistan
• Dimensions: 258 x 176cm / 8'6" x 5'9"
• Thickness: 6mm
• Pile: Wool
• Warp: Cotton
• Age: New