Tribal Heritage and Knotting Tradition

The Ersari are one of the ten major Turkmen tribes of Central Asia, settled in the steppe between Merv in the west, Mazar-i-Sharif in the southeast and Bukhara in the north. Their settlement area spans Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Bukhara was historically the principal trading hub for Turkmen rugs, which is why pieces from across the region were often grouped as “Bukhara rugs” — although the construction and knot density differ markedly from tribe to tribe.

This piece was hand-knotted in the borderland of northern Afghanistan between 1955 and 1975. It carries the signature Ersari grammar: large eight-sided Güls in rows across the field, framed by wide borders that are disproportionately generous compared to the inner field — a strong, characteristic compositional balance. The wool has a deep, silky lustre, and the dense, heavy pile gives the rug its substantial hand.

Colour and Composition

The field reads in a warm cinnamon and copper-terracotta ground, carrying rows of octagonal Güls in deep indigo-brown and ivory, with small star-and-cross fillers between the medallions. The wide multiple borders — a hallmark of the Ersari — frame the field in ivory diamond bands and brown elem stripes. The palette is drawn from natural, undyed and madder-dyed wool, and has mellowed over five to seven decades into a soft, glowing harmony.

Presence in the Room

At 290 × 405 cm (11.75 m²) this is an extra-large room-size piece. Three contexts in which the Ersari comes into its own:

• Large living room: anchoring a generous sofa group, the cinnamon-ivory palette adds a quiet warmth to interiors built around natural materials — wood, leather, linen.
• Formal dining room: under a long table for eight to twelve, the rhythmic Gül rows read as a measured, architectural pattern from above.
• Library or conference room: in a working space, the muted Turkmen grammar adds depth and craft without competing for attention.

Specifications

Djoharian — Since 1967

With roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran and more than five decades of experience in the international rug trade, Djoharian has specialised in antique, tribal and designer rugs since 1967. Djoharian is a Label STEP certified dealer for fair-trade knotted rugs. On 1stDibs we have been a verified seller since 2013 with the “Recognized Dealer” badge. Our pieces have also been featured in international film productions, including Spencer (2021).

Service and Delivery

Every piece is expertly inspected in our atelier in Lohr am Main before dispatch. For expert washing and repair we offer our own professional rug cleaning service. We offer secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured, and personal consultation in our showroom or by video call.