Hand-knotted wool Bokhara area carpet, 73.5" l x 41.5" w

Hand-Knotted Wool Bokhara Area Carpet with Traditional Gul Motifs, Circa Mid-to-Late 20th Century

Dimensions: 73.5 inches length x 41.5 inches width

This hand-knotted Bokhara carpet embodies centuries of Central Asian weaving tradition, showcasing the iconic design vocabulary that made these rugs coveted treasures along the ancient Silk Road. The field displays a glorious procession of repeating octagonal guls—those distinctive tribal medallions sometimes called "elephant's foot" motifs—arranged in orderly rows across a rich madder red ground. What makes this particular example special is the subtle indigo border encircling some of the guls, a lovely detail that adds depth and visual interest to the geometric composition. The madder red itself tells an honest story: that telltale rusty orange undertone is the hallmark of genuine vegetable dye, created by boiling the dried, chunked roots of the madder plant. This warm shift toward orange-red, rather than a flat, uniform burgundy, confirms the use of traditional natural dyestuffs.

The carpet's handle—that wonderful tactile quality weavers talk about—speaks to honest village production. While the name Bokhara derives from the historic trading city of Bukhara in present-day Uzbekistan, where Turkmen nomads sold their wares in bustling bazaars, carpets in this style have been woven across Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia throughout the 20th century. The bright ivory accents create crisp contrast against the red field, while the multiple geometric borders frame the composition with the disciplined precision characteristic of Turkmen design. Each gul represents tribal identity and cultural heritage—symbols of strength and protection passed down through generations of weavers, predominantly women working on wool foundations with the careful symmetry that defines authentic Bokhara work.

Style: Turkmen Bokhara with Traditional Gul Pattern

Maker: Unknown village weaver, likely Pakistani or Afghan production

Materials: Hand-knotted wool pile on wool foundation, natural vegetable dyes including madder root and indigo

Price Note: At $315, this carpet offers exceptional value for a hand-knotted wool piece with natural dyes and traditional construction. The combination of authentic madder red coloration, good structural integrity, and classic Bokhara design makes this an accessible entry point for collectors or an excellent functional rug for daily use.

Keywords: Bokhara rug, Bokhara carpet, hand-knotted rug, Turkmen design, wool area rug, gul motif, elephant foot pattern, madder root dye, vegetable dye rug, natural dye carpet, indigo border, Central Asian rug, tribal rug, geometric rug, Persian knot, red area rug, vintage Bokhara, Afghan rug, Pakistani rug, wool runner, traditional carpet, oriental rug, hand-woven carpet, nomadic design, Tekke pattern, Islamic art, Silk Road textile, ethnic rug, madder red, rust orange, tribal medallion, octagonal motif

Item Number: 9101-433

Item ID: 290727

Category: PERSIAN

• From: 3/7/26 - 4/5/26 Price: $283.50
• From: 4/6/26 - 5/6/26 Price: $252.00
• From: 5/7/26 - & After Price: $220.50