Afghan Chobi Ziegler Handwoven Rug Single Piece with Palmette and Boteh Pattern Gray Blue
Afghan Chobi Ziegler Rug · Palmette and Boteh All-Over Composition on a Gray-Blue Ground, One-of-a-Kind Piece
A one-of-a-kind Chobi Ziegler rug woven in the workshops of northern Afghanistan with an asymmetrical Persian knot, built around the all-over rhythm of palmette and boteh motifs. On a glacier-toned gray-blue ground, botanical detailing in terracotta, pomegranate, and indigo hues gives the rug a faded, refined patina.
Technical Specifications
- Origin: Afghanistan (Mazar-i-Sharif region)
- Design heritage: Ziegler / Sultanabad revival · palmette and boteh (paisley) all-over composition
- Material: 100% hand-spun Ghazni wool (weft, warp, and pile)
- Dyeing technique: Chobi · natural root and bark dyes (indigo, madder, walnut, pomegranate)
- Knot type: Asymmetrical Persian (Sine) knot
- Knot density: ~120,000 / m² (densely woven)
- Pile height: ~6 mm
- Weight: ~3,200 g / m²
- Size: 179 x 247 cm (4.42 m²) · one-of-a-kind, numbered original piece
- Washing: Natural (washed) · faded antique-effect tones
The Story Behind This Rug
In Central Asia, the boteh motif is associated with a tulip bud or cypress tree; in the Persian rug tradition, it symbolizes fertility and eternity. In the large-scale rugs commissioned by Ziegler & Co. in Sultanabad during the 19th century, palmettes and boteh motifs came together in a spacious, airy composition. Afghan artisans continue this heritage through their knowledge of natural dyes; the wool is treated with alum and iron mordants, dyed repeatedly in plant extracts, and softened by washing in the sun and running water.
Why Choose a One-of-a-Kind Handwoven Afghan Rug
- Uniqueness: Only one example of this rug exists; the same knotting rhythm and dye batch can never be reproduced.
- Natural dye durability: Unlike synthetic aniline dyes, natural root dyes do not fade; they simply soften over time.
- Ghazni wool: Long-fiber wool from high-altitude sheep, rich in lanolin, providing natural stain resistance and a silky sheen.
- Asymmetrical Persian knot: Finer detail resolution and sharper motif edges than the Turkish (Gördes) knot.
- Investment value: Genuine Afghan rugs dyed with natural plant dyes gain value through generations of use.
Color and Pattern
Large, symmetrically arranged palmette rosettes and large boteh (paisley) motifs on either side appear across a glacier gray-blue ground; between them are stylized lotus flowers, clusters of leaves, and curling branches. A terracotta-red border frames the design, accented with palmette detailing on a cream ground and corner rosettes.
Care Recommendations
- Clean with a vacuum at low speed using a brushless attachment.
- Blot spills immediately with a white cotton cloth; do not rub.
- Rotate 180° every six months to distribute sunlight and foot traffic evenly.
- Leave wet cleaning to a rug specialist experienced with natural dyes.
This rug is sold only once; no other home will have an identical one.
Protect Your Rug’s Elegance
A careful care routine should be adopted to preserve the original splendor and silky texture of Carpetdocia’s handwoven, natural-fiber creations—pieces that add value to your living space—for generations to come.
Immediate Action and Liquid Spills
When a liquid is spilled, timing is the most critical factor. Using a clean, slightly damp cloth, remove the liquid from the surface by gently blotting only—never rub. Always work in the direction of the rug’s pile (the natural direction in which the fibers lie). Rubbing can damage the structure of delicate fibers such as TENCEL™ and viscose. If in doubt, stop immediately.
Routine Care and Light Balance
For your weekly cleaning routine, always use vacuum cleaners with low suction power. High-powered upright vacuums and stiff brushes can damage the natural structure of handwoven yarns. To balance the natural fibers’ reaction to light and prevent uneven color changes (fading), we recommend changing the direction of your rug every 2 to 6 months.
Expert Care (Professional Cleaning)
Delicate materials such as handwoven fibers, TENCEL™, viscose, and New Zealand wool should not come into contact with household chemical cleaners. These products can irreversibly damage the rug’s silky sheen and structural integrity. For deep cleaning, seek assistance only from professional rug-care centers specializing in natural fibers.
Washing Instructions
The delicate pieces in the Carpetdocia collections are not suitable for machine washing due to their construction. (Only specific models clearly marked “Washable” in their names may be washed in household machines using a low-temperature, delicate cycle.)
Our Uncompromising Quality and Ethical Vision The Carpetdocia vision requires us to uphold the highest standards not only in aesthetic excellence and design, but also in ethical values, human health, and respect for nature. Every handwoven piece in our collections proves its quality and unwavering commitment to sustainability through the world’s most prestigious international certifications:
TENCEL™ Breathable botanical fibers derived from nature and produced using an environmentally responsible closed-loop system. Their silky touch adds organic elegance and unparalleled softness to your living spaces.
Wools of New Zealand™ A mark of excellence guaranteeing the traceability of the world’s finest wool fibers, sourced from New Zealand’s pristine natural environment. It confirms that only the highest-quality wool, produced through processes that uphold the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental responsibility, is used.
OEKO-TEX® Assurance One of the textile industry’s strictest and most independent standards, confirming that our textiles contain no chemicals or harmful substances hazardous to human health, ensuring absolute safety in your living spaces.
Sedex® Ethical Trade Global recognition of our deep respect for people and craftsmanship at every stage of our supply chain. It documents our unwavering commitment to responsible production and transparent trade principles.
These international certifications are the strongest guarantee that every rug bearing the Carpetdocia signature is not merely a timeless decorative piece, but also a reflection of our respect for your home, your health, and our shared future.
