Handmade modern Afghan Gabbeh carpet

Combine a chic contemporary vibe and everyday practicality with this handmade modern Afghan Gabbeh carpet. 

This Gabbeh carpet is a room size statement piece rug measuring an impressive 294x197cm or 9'8x6'6. It boasts a myriad of colours - look closely at you will discover an amazing range. The multitude of colours are formed by narrow stripes or lines of colour. This is one of those rugs which not only looks modern, but it'll prove to be immensely practical in day-to-day use. 

Find out some more about this handmade modern Afghan Gabbeh carpet

This modern Gabbeh carpet was handmade in Afghanistan. Often the rugs woven in Afghanistan are transported to Pakistan to undergo the finishing procedures. The finishing process in Oriental rugs is extensive. When the rugs are cut from the loom they are far from the finished product. These Afghan rugs go through a number of processes including washing, singeing (the fluff from the carpet), trimming, securing and realignment. It is only when these (and more) processes are completed that the rug is ready for your home. 

The name "Gabbeh" of this handmade modern carpet comes from a type of Persian tribal rug. These Persian Gabbeh rugs were woven by ancient nomadic tribes for use in their daily lives. The simple patterns, which are sometimes rather playful, of these thick piled rugs gained the attention of rug connoisseurs.

Afghan Gabbeh carpets take inspiration from these old tribal rugs. The designs of these Afghan rugs has evolved and the styles produced are modern often plain or striped in theme. 

What this stripy Afghan carpet is made from

This modern Afghan carpet is made from traditional carpet making materials of wool and cotton. 

The pile of this 3x2m Afghan carpet is made from wool. Afghan wool is known for it's hard wearing nature which is ideal for use in carpets. The cotton element of this carpet is the core foundation of the carpet. These are known as the warp threads. They are long strands of cotton which are attached to the loom at the start of the project. They are important because the knots are tied onto these yarns. 

How this Gabbeh carpet was made

Although this Afghan carpet has a modern look, the way in which this carpet was made is as old as the hills. Honed over generations, Afghanistan has a rich legacy of hand-weaving carpets. 

The pile of this 3x2m Gabbeh carpet was made by a method of hand-knotting. A time-consuming way, every tuft of pile formed is from a hand-tied knot. The weavers knot across the width of the loom. Once the row of knots is completed, weft threads are woven between the warps. And so on, until the carpet is completed. All of the different coloured knots work together to make the colours and pattern of the carpet. 

The result of the weavers handicraft is a unique, one-of-a-kind carpet. How cool is that?

Key details: 

• Country of origin: Afghanistan / Pakistan
• Size: 294×197cm / 9’8″x6’6″
• Thickness: 8mm
• Pile: Wool, hand-knotted
• Warp: Cotton
• Age: New