Pictorial grey Loribaft runner

Add some whimsical charm to your hallway or corridor with this handmade pictorial grey Loribaft runner. 

This Afghan hallway runner shows a deep pewter grey main background colour. This dark grey backdrop serves to accentuate the visual interest of the pictorial theme of this runner. 

It's the design of this 3m Afghan runner that really catches your eye (and your imagination). It depicts a theme of three blossoming trees. The central tree motif contains songbirds nestled amongst it's branches. The enchanting theme continues with a scattering of wandering camels and goat-like creatures. All of these motifs, from the trees to the birds and goats, are displayed in bright colours to contrast with the pewter background shade. 

The characteristics of this Pictorial grey Loribaft runner

This is a modern Afghan runner, but handmade by utilising age-old carpet weaving techniques and traditional, natural materials. 

This 10 foot long Afghan runner was made from hard-wearing wool and cotton. The woollen element of this runner is what makes it so appealing. The colours and patterns of this runner are wool, it therefore has a woollen pile.

Cotton was used for the warp threads of this runner rug. The warp threads are long strands of cotton which are applied to the carpet loom before the rug weaving can start. The warps are therefore the underlying threads upon which this runner was made. 

This is a handmade runner

Afghanistan has a rich cultural legacy in hand-weaving rugs due to it's tribal heritage. These skills have been honed over generations. This pictorial Loribaft runner rug would have been woven by one weaver.  

The woollen pile that we so admire, was crafted by hand-knotted woollen yarn onto the cotton warp foundations. This is a laborious process, but is still the best way of making top quality rugs. Each tuft of pile is made from a knot tied onto pairs of warp threads. The weaver knots in horizontal lines across the width of the runner. After each row is completed, weft threads are woven in between the warps. The next row of knots can then be tied, and so on. After many rows (of knots), the accumulation of knots makes the design and colours of the creation. 

What does "Loribaft" mean?

This modern pictorial runner is loosely inspired by a type of Persian tribal Gabbeh-like rug known as "Loribaft". These rugs feature colourful and playful designs. The name can be broken down into two. Lori (or Luri) is a famous Persian tribe, and "baft" means woven. 

Where to use this Modern handmade runner in your home

This 3 metre long runner is ideal for use in hallways, corridors and landings. It's a great way to add wonderful visual interest and texture to your floor. 

Although this modern Afghan hallway runner has a pictorial theme, it was made for use on the floor. It's a durable quality that'll prove to be a long-lasting addition to your home. 

Key details: 

• Country of origin: Afghanistan
• Size: 319×78cm / 10’6″x2’7″ 
• Thickness: 7mm
• Pile: Wool, hand-knotted
• Warp: Cotton
• Age: New