Grey Suzani Afghan Rug
This grey Suzani Afghan rug was double hand knotted in Afghanistan in lamb wool and measures 298 x 249 cm, about 7.4 square metres. The grey brown ground is covered in tall trees and flowering plants in teal, turquoise, red and cream, laid out symmetrically from edge to edge.
The design up close
Tall cypress-like trees in teal and red stand in columns along the field, and between them bare cream trees with branching limbs rise from the grey ground. Rosettes in teal, orange and cream sit in the spaces, with small flowering sprigs growing around them. The bare trees have no leaves, so the grey ground shows clearly between their branches.
At the centre, a symmetrical motif of curling stems and a cream and teal bloom sits in the middle of this grey Suzani Afghan rug, with smaller rosettes above and below it. The motifs repeat across the width, so the layout looks balanced from any side of the room.
This grey Suzani Afghan rug has no broad border. The pattern runs close to the fringed ends, and a thin pale edge runs along the sides. Teal and orange motifs fill the top and bottom rows, with rosettes near the corners. The teal and turquoise motifs are the brightest colours in the field, and they sit against the grey brown ground.
Afghan weaving tradition
Afghanistan has a long weaving tradition, and the rugs made there today range from bold tribal designs to calm, contemporary pieces. Afghan rugs are hand knotted on a loom, one knot at a time. This grey Suzani Afghan rug sits toward the calmer, contemporary end of that range, with a muted ground and fine layered detail. A busy all-over field like this hides everyday wear well, so it suits family rooms, entrances and hallways.
How it is made
Our records note double hand knotting, so each knot in this grey Suzani Afghan rug was tied by hand on a loom. The design shows on the back as well. Lamb wool gives the pile a soft surface, and the fine lines of the trees and rosettes come from those individual knots.
Sizing this grey Suzani Afghan rug
At 298 x 249 cm, the rug covers about 7.4 square metres. A three-seat sofa of around 2.2 m leaves about 39 cm of rug past each end. Under a dining table of about 180 x 90 cm, the rug leaves roughly 59 cm at each end and 80 cm along each side. The grey ground suits timber floors and neutral walls, and the teal details pick up blue or green cushions.
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 grey Suzani Afghan 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 suzani textiles.
