Handmade Rugs

What is a Khal Mohammadi handmade rug?

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Khal Mohammadi is known for his distinctive rust and crimson tone. Khal Mohammadi carpets include at least 50 different colors of red, possibly more.

Khal Mohammadi rugs are known for their high quality and longevity. They are constructed of 100% premium wool, and some have silk blended into the pile for a slight shine finish. The high knot count, combined with the exceptional material, makes Khal Mohammadi one of the softest and smoothest Oriental Rugs.

Origin of the Afghan Rug

Unlike the normal Afghan rug, which is called after the city of origin, Khal Mohammadi is named after a well-known rug maker and dye master. Mohammadi created the red tones used in these rugs 30 years ago.

With Ersari Turkmen ancestry, Mohammadi used traditional tribal designs of repetitive columns of ‘gul’ or ‘fil pai’ (elephant prints) onto Khal Mohammadi carpets.

Some believe that 150 years ago, a skilled dyer named Mohammadi produced the unusual colors that Khal Mohammadi rugs have today. Others assert that Ersari Turkmen weavers in Northern Afghanistan produced the first Khal Mohammadi rugs rather than a single person or workshop.

Nowadays, the term “Khal Mohammadi” refers to high-quality Afghan carpets that use the same weaving processes, color palettes, patterns, and quality as the originals.

Nowadays, Khal Mohammadi rugs are primarily made in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, and near the Pakistani border.

Image of a Khal Mohammadi Afghan Rug
What is a Khal Mohammadi handmade rug? 3

Characteristics of a Khal Mohammadi Rug (Persian influence)

Several significant characteristics distinguish Khal Mohammadi carpets from other types of rugs:

Materials utilized.
These rugs are composed of high-quality wool derived from indigenous Afghan sheep, which is noted for its resilience and natural luster. Hand-spun wool gives each rug a particular texture and character.

Distinctive colors and dyes.
Khal Mohammadi carpets are known for their rich, warm colors, especially deep reds, dark blues, and rich browns. The dyes are made from natural ingredients such as madder root, indigo, and walnut husks, which produce a beautiful, long-lasting color that improves with age.

Knotting Techniques
These rugs are hand-knotted with the classic Turkish or Ghiordes knot, which is recognized for its strength and longevity. This knotting technique enables complicated patterns and decorations to be constructed with a high level of detail.

Common motifs and designsGeometric designs, stylized floral motifs, and natural elements are common themes in Khal Mohammadi rugs. The designs are usually symmetrical and well-balanced, with a center medallion or repeating pattern dominating the rug.

Method of Production

A Khal Mohammadi rug’s construction is a labor-intensive procedure that calls for extraordinary expertise and meticulous attention to detail:

Conventional methods of hand-knotting
Skilled artisans painstakingly hand-knot each rug utilizing age-old methods that have been passed down through the generations. Each rug is a one-of-a-kind work of art with a unique personality because they are all handmade.

Apprentices’ contribution to the preservation of craftsmanship
Rug weaving is taught through an apprenticeship system, much like many other traditional trades, with seasoned weavers passing on their knowledge and abilities to the following generation. This guarantees both the survival of this distinctive weaving heritage and the continuous manufacture of fine Khal Mohammadi rugs.

Quality assurance and meticulousness
Every rug is meticulously examined throughout the manufacturing process to make sure it satisfies the high requirements for craftsmanship and quality that are specific to Khal Mohammadi carpets. This meticulous attention to detail aids in maintaining the value and prestige of these magnificent works.

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