This type of rug features a high quality wool handwoven on to a wool warp (foundation). These rugs are made in the Kundoz region of Northern Afghanistan, as well as the surrounding villages.

The knotting is typically fine, neat and consistent which, together with the high quality hard wearing local wools used, creates a smooth, velvety pile.

One of the distinguishing features of Afghan Kunduz Rugs is the extra decoration finishing off each end of the rug with a band of flat weave (kilim) which, in this particular piece is decorated in a red and black stripe or band.

Often the main colour of Afghan Kunduz Rugs is red, sometimes bright red, occasionally the brown-red/coppery shades of Khan Mohamadi Rugs.

The designs produced are generally all-over repeating patterns, typically ancient Turkoman designs such as Alma Gul (apple blossom), Baghi Shinar, Baba Saqal, Hatchlou (Purdah) to name a few, as well as superbly refined depictions of Khan Mohamadi patterns.

The final picture shows the owner, James Durrant - left, choosing this rug in Lahore, Pakistan whilst on a recent buying trip.

This fine example measures 9 feet 6 inches long by 6 feet 8 inches wide (2.89 x 2.04 metres).