These Pictorial rugs are woven and made by Turkmen and Hazara tribespeople based in central and Northern Afghanistan, in the Bamyan and Kabul provinces.

The design and patterns of this type of rug are taken from what the tribal weavers would be able to see in their habitat - trees, plants and animals, with each living item stylised rather than being accurately depicted. Each rug is much like an original painting, with each one having similar characteristics, but a unique pattern.

Local Ghazni wool is used for the pile, as this is durable, hard wearing and takes on natural dyes very well. The wools are dyed using natural dyes (plants, root, flowers, bark, fruit skins etc.) and then hand spun, prior to knotting. Actual examples of dye matter include plants such as walnut, pomegranate. Root plants, saffron, cochineal and indigo, typically incorporating deep, warm colours which add to their dramatic and vibrant appearance.

The wool is then hand knotted onto a cotton warp (foundation) and the finished rugs are then taken to Pakistan where they are expertly finished, including washing and trimming, before being exported all over the world.

This superb example measures 6 feet 9 inches long by 5 feet 1 inch wide. ( 2.04 x 1.54 metres ).