Afghan Rugs — Ziegler, Chobi, Kazak & Kelim from Afghanistan
Afghan Rugs — Ziegler, Chobi, Kazak & Kelim
“From the high plateaus between Mazar-i-Sharif and Herat: wool spun by hand, dyed by plants, and knotted by generations.”
A Weaving Tradition Without Compromise
Afghan rugs embody centuries of craftsmanship from the high plateaus and bazaars of Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat, Andkhoy and Aqcha. Unlike industrial production, every piece in this collection is hand-knotted by Turkmen, Uzbek and Hazara weaving communities, using hand-spun highland wool and natural plant- and mineral-based dyes. For technical and historical context, the Jozan Carpet Encyclopedia offers in-depth analysis of these provenances.
The Major Afghan Rug Families
Ziegler Rugs — The Anglo-Persian Revival
Originally commissioned in the 1880s by the Swiss-Anglo trading house Ziegler & Co. in Sultanabad, the Ziegler tradition was reborn in northern Afghanistan in the late 20th century. Today’s Afghan Ziegler rugs are renowned for their softened, neutral palette — ivory, soft rust, sage, and muted gold — making them the preferred choice for transitional and minimalist interiors. The asymmetric all-over Farahan and Mahal patterns translate beautifully into contemporary spaces.
Chobi (“Vegetable Dye”) Rugs — Earth-Toned Modernism
The word Chobi derives from the Farsi for “wood”, referring to the natural plant pigments — walnut shell, pomegranate skin, indigo, madder root. The wool is washed in mountain rivers, giving each piece its characteristic gentle abrash and warm, antique-aged surface. Chobi rugs sit perfectly alongside modern oak, walnut and concrete interiors.
Afghan Kazak — Caucasian Geometry Reborn
Adapted from antique Caucasian Kazak designs, the Afghan version is woven with bold geometric medallions, dramatic stars, and intense madder-red and indigo fields. These are statement pieces — ideal as a focal point in a high-ceilinged living room or grand entrance.
Afghan Kelim — Flat-Woven Versatility
Flat-woven without pile, Afghan Kelims feature striking geometric or all-over patterns, hand-spun wool and excellent durability. Perfect for hallways, kitchens or layering over a larger plain rug.
Afghan Shirvan & Turkmen Traditions
Drawing on the heritage of Caucasian Shirvan and the Turkmen gül motifs (Ersari, Tekke, Yomud), these rugs offer dense, repeating field designs in deep aubergine, oxblood and walnut tones.
Construction & Materials
- •Pile: 100% hand-spun highland wool, with the natural lanolin retained for soft lustre and stain resistance
- •Foundation: cotton warp and weft for stability and flatness
- •Knot density: typically 90,000 to 250,000 knots per m², with finer Ziegler workshop pieces reaching 400,000
- •Pigments: exclusively plant- and mineral-based natural dyes for Chobi quality
- •Knot: predominantly the symmetric (Turkish) knot, ensuring exceptional durability
Why Choose an Afghan Rug from the Djoharian Collection
- —Curated authenticity — each piece selected for genuine hand-knotting, wool quality and design clarity
- —Label STEP Fair Trade partner — fair wages, no child labour, transparent supply chain
- —Professionally washed and finished by our master craftsmen before delivery
- —Djoharian Collection — since 1967, with roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran
