Red White Border Kazak Rug
This red white border Kazak rug was double hand knotted in Afghanistan in lamb wool and measures 309 x 204 cm, about 6.3 square metres. A deep red field holds a central hexagonal medallion and a ring of octagons and rosettes, framed by a wide cream border with small geometric motifs.
The design up close
The centre medallion of this red white border Kazak rug has a cream outline with rosettes inside. Smaller blue and gold medallions stack above and below it along the middle of the field, and octagonal medallions in cream and navy sit on either side. Diamond and star motifs fill the gaps between them.
The top and bottom ends of the field carry larger cream and red motifs with lobed, arrow-like shapes near the edges. Small rosettes, stars and crosses scatter across the red ground in cream, blue, gold and navy, so the field reads as one busy pattern made of many small shapes. Smaller motifs sit in the corners of the field, close to the border.
On this red white border Kazak rug, the border is cream, with small medallions and diamonds in red, navy, blue and gold repeated along it. A thin red and gold band separates it from the field, and a narrow navy edge finishes the outside.
Kazak rugs and their origins
Kazak rugs revive the bold geometric designs of the Caucasus in thick, hard-wearing wool. The name comes from the Kazak (Gazakh) district of the southern Caucasus, where weavers made large geometric medallions, stars and hooked motifs in deep reds, blues and ivory. In recent decades weavers in Afghanistan and Pakistan have revived these designs. Thick wool and a busy pattern hide everyday wear, so this red white border Kazak rug suits family rooms, entrances, hallways and dining rooms.
How it is made
Our records note double hand knotting, so each knot in this red white border Kazak rug was tied by hand on a loom, one at a time. The design also shows on the back, with the small irregularities that hand tying leaves. Lamb wool gives the pile a soft surface underfoot.
Sizing this red white border Kazak rug
At 309 x 204 cm, this red white border Kazak rug covers about 6.3 square metres. A three-seat sofa of around 2.2 m leaves roughly 45 cm of rug past each end. Under a dining table of about 180 x 90 cm, it leaves about 65 cm at each end and 57 cm along each side. A strong red ground anchors a room with white or grey walls and pale timber.
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
This rug may already be To see similar red Kazak rugs in person, visit our showroom at 307 Penshurst St, North Willoughby, open every day from 11 am to 4:30 pm. If you would rather judge one in your own room, book an in-home viewing and we will bring a selection to you.
Browse more Kazak Rugs, or ask about a custom made rug in your own size and colour. Read more about Caucasian and Kazak rugs.
