Vintage Turkoman-Style Wool Rug with 27 Guls, Afghanistan, Mid-20th Century
Vintage Turkoman-Style Wool Rug with 27 Guls, Afghanistan, Mid-20th Century
Vintage Turkoman-Style Wool Rug with 27 Guls, Afghanistan, Mid-20th Century
A richly toned vintage wool rug woven in the enduring Central Asian Turkoman tradition, its rhythmic field of guls offering warmth, structure and timeless graphic appeal.
Key Features
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Authentic hand-woven Turkoman-style rug
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Repeating field of 27 traditional guls
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Ersari-influenced geometric medallion design
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Deep madder-red ground with indigo and charcoal detailing
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Wool pile on a wool foundation
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Mid-20th century Afghan production
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Strong, versatile scale suitable for multiple settings
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Honest vintage patina throughout
Full Description
This vintage rug is a confident example of mid-20th century Turkoman-style weaving, most likely produced in Afghanistan and drawing directly from long-established Central Asian design traditions.
The field is organised around a disciplined grid of 27 traditional guls — octagonal medallions that form the visual and cultural backbone of Turkoman rug design. The guls are Ersari in character, referencing one of the most widely recognised Turkoman tribal design languages, known for its bold geometry, generous scale and strong graphic presence.
Set against a richly saturated madder-red ground, the guls are articulated in deep charcoal, soft indigo and muted ivory tones, creating a surface that feels both rhythmic and grounded. The surrounding border system follows classic Central Asian conventions, framing the field with geometric bands that provide structure without visual heaviness.
Hand-woven in wool, the rug retains a pleasing softness underfoot, with subtle tonal variation and natural irregularities that speak to traditional loom production rather than modern uniformity. Produced during the mid-20th century, it occupies a desirable position between tribal tradition and export craftsmanship — robust, practical, and designed to age gracefully within domestic interiors.
Its balanced proportions make it particularly versatile, lending itself equally to use beneath a coffee table, at the foot of a bed, layered within a larger room, or draped over furniture for a more relaxed, decorative presentation.
Dimensions
Height (Depth): 156 cm
Width: 117 cm
Materials
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Hand-knotted wool pile
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Wool warp and weft
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Traditional hand-loom construction
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Natural and early synthetic dyes consistent with the period
Condition
Good vintage condition, with even wear consistent with age and use.
The pile shows gentle softening across the field, contributing to a warm, authentic patina. Edges and ends remain stable, with no structural concerns. Minor variations in tone and surface texture are inherent to hand-woven rugs of this age and should be viewed as part of its character. There are some old, professional repairs carried out by a specialist rug restorer. These are stable, well-integrated and do not detract from the overall appearance or usability of the rug.
Origin / Period
Origin: Afghanistan
Period: Mid-20th century (circa 1960s–1970s)
Styling Suggestions
This rug integrates effortlessly into both traditional and contemporary interiors. Its strong geometry pairs particularly well with oak, walnut and painted furniture, as well as neutral upholstery and natural textiles. Use it to anchor a seating area, soften a hallway or introduce warmth and pattern into a minimal space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this rug Turkish?
A: While inspired by Turkoman design traditions, this rug was most likely woven in Afghanistan. The repeating gul pattern is Central Asian rather than Anatolian.
Q: What type of gul design does this rug feature?
A: The guls are Ersari in character, reflecting one of the most recognised Turkoman tribal design traditions.
Q: Is this rug suitable for everyday use?
A: Yes. It is robust enough for low to moderate traffic areas while remaining decorative in character.
Unique Points
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Authentic Turkoman-style design with Ersari-influenced guls
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Rich, enduring colour palette
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Highly versatile proportions
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Honest vintage condition with strong visual presence
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Decorative yet practical for modern interiors
All your questions answered below...
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Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
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