Afghan Bidjar Handwoven Rug Single Piece with Shah Abbas Palmette Red
Great Safavid Elegance in a Small Format
A one-of-a-kind rug woven in workshops in northern Afghanistan using the asymmetrical Persian knot, reinterpreting the Bidjar tradition through a Shah Abbas palmette composition. Dyed with natural dyes derived from botanical roots and husks such as walnut husk, pomegranate peel, and indigo; it has undergone a natural washing process, achieving a soft patina that absorbs the light.
Technical Specifications
- Origin: Afghanistan (Mazar-i-Sharif region)
- Design heritage: Bidjar Shah Abbas palmette composition
- Material: 100% hand-spun Ghazni wool (weft, warp, and pile)
- Dyeing technique: Botanical root & husk 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: 88 x 128 cm (1.13 m²) – one-of-a-kind, numbered original piece
- Washing: Natural (washed) – soft, antique-effect tones
The Story of This Rug
Bidjar rugs originate from the densely knotted weaving tradition of Iranian Kurdistan and are known for their density. This small-format piece brings the palace-rug composition of the Shah Abbas period into a corner of the home, in front of an armchair, or beside the bed — an intimate-scale interpretation of a classic design.
Why a One-of-a-Kind Handwoven Afghan Rug
- Uniqueness: There is only one of this rug; the same knot rhythm and dye batch can never be replicated.
- Natural dye durability: Unlike synthetic aniline dyes, root dyes do not fade – they only soften over time.
- Ghazni wool: Long-fiber, lanolin-rich wool from high-altitude sheep; it provides 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 handwoven rugs dyed with botanical dyes gain value through generations of use.
Color and Design
Two large Shah Abbas palmettes face each other along the vertical axis on a madder-red ground, with leaves opening out in amber, indigo, ivory, and muted green tones. Intertwining branches and small rosettes fill the spaces between them, enriching the composition. A leaf-and-flower chain motif on the broad red border embraces the rug like a stained-glass frame.
Care Recommendations
- Clean with a vacuum cleaner on a low setting using a brushless attachment.
- For spills, blot immediately with a white cotton cloth; do not rub.
- Rotate 180° every 6 months so sunlight and foot traffic are distributed evenly.
- Leave wet cleaning to a rug specialist experienced with botanical dyes.
Afghan Bidjar rugs are not "manufactured"; they are "woven." This piece is no exception: it will be sold only once, and no other home will have its exact counterpart.
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.
