Afghan Mamluk Rug

This is a brand new authentic Mamluk rug, handmade in Afghanistan. Mamluk rugs are a revival of a legendary carpet tradition originally developed during the Mamluk Sultanate (1250-1517 CE) in Egypt. Originally, these rugs were first designed by Turkmen weavers who emigrated from Central Asia to Egypt. Hence these rugs were only meant for royalty and those of high class and wealth. They were also prized by Venetian merchants at the time, with some rug fragments surviving from the 13th century and even appearances in renaissance paintings such as Paris Bordon's canvas 'The Presentation of the Ring to the Doge'. Remaining faithful to the original quality of these rugs, Afghan Mamluk rugs have a high knot count similar to Ziegler and Super Kazak rugs, with a medium pile. They are mainly woven in the northern Afghan provinces of Andkhoy, Mazari-Sharif and Kunduz, using high quality Ghazni wool which provides a natural lustre. They use the asymmetrical Persian (Senneh) knot and have a characteristic design consisting of a central polygonal medallion, surrounded by small floral motifs and repetitive tessellated patterns (reflecting the influence from Islamic geometry patterns). The colours used are often muted pale beige and green, or crimson red with royal blue. Although other colours variations are available.