Red Diamond Chobi Runner
This red diamond Chobi runner is a hand woven Kilim runner of wool, measuring 380 x 84 cm, made in Afghanistan. A column of large diamonds runs down the centre, outlined in dark red and orange and filled with small diamonds in blue, cream, orange and lilac.
The design up close
The centre column is built from large diamonds joined at their points, each one edged in dark red or red-orange. Inside each diamond sits a field of small diamonds in orange, blue, cream, lilac and green, so every large shape holds many smaller ones. The small diamonds inside each large one sit in rows, which gives the centre column a steady, woven rhythm. The top diamond has the strongest dark red outline, and the diamonds below pick up more orange.
Either side of the column, tall panels in sage, teal, pink and lilac are filled with small cross and butterfly motifs in orange, purple, blue and cream. The panels break up the field and give the runner its patchwork look. A cream border with a stepped zigzag pattern in grey-brown frames the whole runner, and a narrow band of the same motif runs along the outside edge.
Overall, this red diamond Chobi runner repeats its diamond down the centre and its motifs along the panels, so the design reads as a clear, repeated pattern.
Chobi and its weaving
The name Chobi comes from a word for wood, a nod to the soft, natural tones these rugs are known for. Chobi rugs often come in ivory, sand, soft green, rust and blue, and are often washed after weaving to soften the colours further. This runner uses soft green, cream and rust, with brighter orange and blue, so it has a livelier look than the softest Chobi tones.
What makes a Kilim different
A Kilim is flat woven: the weaver passes coloured weft threads over and under the warp threads to build the pattern, with no knots and no pile. This red diamond Chobi runner is hand woven, so it is thin and light and lies flat. Its flat weave keeps the shape of the diamonds clear, since the pattern is built up in the weft itself. Our records note vegetable dyes.
Sizing a red diamond Chobi runner
At 380 x 84 cm this red diamond Chobi runner covers about 3.2 square metres. Its width suits a hallway about 104 to 124 cm wide, which leaves 10 to 20 cm of floor on each side. Its length suits a long hall or a kitchen galley, and beside a bed it runs along one side of the room.
On pale timber this red diamond Chobi runner shows its red diamonds clearly, and the cream border keeps the edges light. Keep it away from the door swing, so the ends lie flat and the outline stays neat.
Looking after your rug
Vacuum both sides on a suction-only setting, or with the beater bar switched off, so the brush does not catch the weft threads. Turn it around every six to twelve months so sun and foot traffic wear it evenly, and 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.
Use a non-slip underlay, because a light flat weave can creep on timber or tiles. Moths like wool in dark, quiet spots, so vacuum under furniture and in the corners often.
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 red diamond Chobi runner 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 Chobi Rugs, or ask about a custom made rug in your own size and colour. Read more about kilims.
