Red Shirvan Runner
This red Shirvan runner is double hand knotted in Afghanistan from wool and measures 225 x 73 cm, or about 1.6 square metres. Our records note vegetable dyes. Its scarlet field carries five medallions down the centre, framed by a wide cream border.
The design up close
Five medallions stack down the centre of the field. The top and bottom ones are blue-grey and cream with red centres. The three in the middle are larger: two navy and red medallions with white outlines, and a cream-outlined medallion with blue and red at its heart. Small crosses, stepped squares and flower heads in cream, blue and rust fill the red ground between them.
The field is a vivid red throughout, so the medallions and small motifs stand out clearly. This red Shirvan runner has a steady, repeating layout that runs the length of the rug.
The border is wide and cream, with zigzag and triangle motifs in red, navy and blue. A thin red guard runs inside it, and the outer edge is a deep red band.
Between the medallions, small cream and blue flowers, little crosses and rust-coloured squares sit in pairs, so the field keeps a light, even rhythm from top to bottom. The same small motifs repeat on both sides of the central column.
Afghan weaving
Afghanistan has a long weaving tradition, and some of the rugs made there today use hand-spun wool and natural dyes, which give them soft, lively colour. Afghan rugs are hand knotted on a loom, one knot at a time. Some use plant dyes such as madder, which gives the deep reds that the region is known for.
How it is made
Each knot in this red Shirvan runner was tied by hand on a loom. Its wool is soft, and the runner is hand knotted, so each motif is built from individual knots that you can see on the back as well.
The cream border is the widest band on this red Shirvan runner, and it frames the medallions firmly from end to end.
Sizing a red Shirvan runner in your hallway
At 225 x 73 cm, this red Shirvan runner covers about 1.6 square metres. It is a short runner for a hallway, an entrance or the floor beside a bed. For a hallway, a width of about 95 to 115 cm leaves roughly 11 to 21 cm of floor on each side.
The red works best against cream or light timber, where the medallions can be seen clearly. This 225 x 73 runner has a strong colour, so it suits a plain entrance.
Beside a bed, a runner of this length fills the strip of floor between the bed and the wall without covering the whole room. Keep the ends clear of foot traffic, so the fringe stays neat.
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 red Shirvan 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 Runners, or ask about a custom made rug in your own size and colour. Read more about Afghan rugs.
