Cherry Red Shirvan Rug
This cherry red Shirvan rug is a double hand knotted Afghan rug made in Afghanistan from lamb’s wool, measuring 345 x 271 cm. A bright cherry red field is covered with rows of diamond and octagon medallions in white, navy, blue and peach, inside a cream border.
The design up close
The field is an even, rich red, with medallions arranged in a diagonal lattice. Navy octagons sit at the top and bottom of the central column, with a cornflower blue octagon in the middle. Cream and peach medallions sit to either side of that middle octagon, and white rosettes fill the upper and lower corners of the field.
Between the medallions are lavender and purple diamonds, small hooked motifs in white and navy, and tiny flowers in blue and red. The motifs repeat in rows, so the field has a steady rhythm from top to bottom, and the same shapes come back at each end.
A narrow blue line separates the red field from the cream border. The border is wide and cream, with small geometric motifs in red, lavender and blue, and a thin red outer edge finishes the rug. This cherry red Shirvan rug has its strongest colour in the centre and a lighter frame around it.
Afghan weaving and wool
Afghanistan has a long weaving tradition. Afghan rugs are hand knotted on a loom, one knot at a time, and their thick wool and patterned fields hide everyday wear. Our records note vegetable dyes for this rug.
The Afghan rugs in our collection range from bold tribal designs to calm, contemporary pieces. This cherry red Shirvan rug sits toward the bold, traditional end of that range, with its red field and layered medallions.
How this cherry red Shirvan rug is made
Each knot is tied by hand on a loom, and the rug is double knotted. The wool is lamb’s wool, which is soft to the touch and suits a rug that gets daily use.
The medallion outlines are clear against the red, and the cream border holds them in place.
Sizing it for your room
At 345 x 271 cm the rug covers about 9.3 square metres, enough for a full lounge setting. A three-seat sofa of around 2.2 m leaves more than 60 cm of rug at each end, so the front legs of the sofa and armchairs can rest on the cherry red field around a coffee table.
Under a dining table of about 180 x 90 cm, this cherry red Shirvan rug leaves more than 80 cm at each end and more than 90 cm along each side. The strong red suits cream or grey walls, timber floors and neutral furniture, and it makes a plain room feel warm.
Looking after your rug
Vacuum it on a suction-only setting, or with the beater bar switched off, so the brush does not pull at the knots. Turn it around every six to twelve months so sun and foot traffic wear it evenly. Blot spills with a clean white cloth and cold water rather than rubbing them in. When it needs a full clean, choose a cleaner who washes handmade rugs by hand.
Put a good underlay beneath it. It stops the rug sliding on timber or tiles, adds cushioning and takes some of the wear off the pile. Moths like wool in dark, quiet spots, such as the part of a rug under a sofa, so vacuum those areas often and lift the furniture now and then.
See it before you buy
Visit our showroom at 307 Penshurst St, North Willoughby, open every day from 11 am to 4:30 pm, to see this cherry red Shirvan rug in person. If you would rather judge it in your own room, with your own light and furniture, book an in-home viewing and we will bring a selection to you.
Browse more Afghan Rugs, or ask about a custom made rug in your own size and colour. Read more about Afghan rugs.
