Navy Blue Khorjin Rug
This navy blue Khorjin rug was hand knotted in Afghanistan in lamb’s wool and measures 251 x 174 cm. A navy ground is set with horizontal bands of small motifs in red, cream and orange, which gives it a balance of modern and traditional design. At 4.4 square metres it is a large rug for a family room.
The design up close
The field is divided into horizontal bands. Rows of small stylised trees, flowers and tassel-like motifs in cream, red and orange run across the navy ground, separated by thin lines of red and cream dots. Two wider bands of red carry diamond and rosette medallions in cream, grey and orange, which break up the repeat.
The outer bands are red, cream and gold, with octagon medallions along the top and bottom edges. The bands run the full length of the rug, so the pattern reads as stripes from a distance and as small, careful drawing up close. Red and cream are the strongest colours in those bands, and the navy ground takes up most of the field, so this navy blue Khorjin rug stays balanced.
From saddlebag to rug
Khorjin designs take their name from the Khorjin, the woven saddlebag of the region. A Khorjin is a pair of woven bags joined together and carried over a horse or donkey, traditionally decorated with geometric patterns. Today’s pieces take up that look across the whole field, often in many colours.
How a navy blue Khorjin rug is made
Each row of motifs is tied by hand on a loom, one knot at a time, so the spacing of the bands is set by the knotting itself. Turn the rug over and the design shows on the back. Lamb’s wool gives the pile its soft surface, and the bands sit close together so the stripes read as one continuous design.
Sizing it for your room
At 251 x 174 cm this navy blue Khorjin rug covers about 4.4 square metres. The front legs of a sofa and two armchairs can rest on it around a coffee table, so the rug anchors the seating. Put it where its bands can run across the floor from the door, so the stripes are visible from the entrance. A larger room suits it better than a small one, because the bold pattern needs space around it. A plain sofa in cream or grey lets the bands stand out, while warm timber floors bring out the red and orange.
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 navy blue Khorjin 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 Khorjin Rugs, or ask about a custom made rug in your own size and colour. Read more about Afghan rugs.
