Mashhad Iran Afghan War Rug

Meshed War Rug

2 foot 8 inch by 4 foot 4 inch.

A number of years ago I wrote an article for Oriental Rug Review called Afghan War Rugs: If it Walks Like a Duck.... In it I broke a lot of new ground trying to attribute the various types of war rugs to where they were made. One type I discussed were the rugs from Meshed, Iran. This is one of those rugs.

The argument for a Iranian attribution is outlined in my article. However the key identifiers are structure, wool and design. Recently I was able to obtain a number of these rugs and they are identical to what was available during the Russian war. Since this particular type is no longer made with these materials this rug must date to before The Islamic Republic of Iran began sending the refugees home after the war.

By the way the assault rifle to the right is a Paratroopers version of a AK-47. The helicopter if the Hip helicopter which was what the Soviet Airborne used most often.

Size: 2 foot 8 inch by 4 foot 4 inch.

Structure: Asymmetrical knot open to the right. 9 knots per horizontal inch and 7 knots per vertical inch.  63 per square inch (976.5 per square decimeter)

Yarn Spin: Z.

Warp: 1 ply white cotton.

Weft: Single shot tan wool.

Pile: 2 wool singles.

Ends:Plain weave and overhand knot binding with 3 inch warp fringe.

Selvages: 2 cord overcastting red wool.

Handle: Medium, durable.

Further Notes: Excellent condition.